Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during low-altitude maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while conducting an agricultural application flight, he made a minimum bank angle turn to the south. He then maneuvered the airplane to avoid wires, but the vertical stabilizer struck the bottom set of wires, which resulted in the separation of the top section of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, and a postaccident fire ensued.
The airplane was consumed by postaccident fire.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA454 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 24, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Deshler, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna T188
- N-number
- N3367J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.