Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a power line. Contributing to the accident was the sun's glare.
NTSB analysis
During an aerial application flight, the pilot was flying eastbound toward the morning sun. Due to the sun glare, the pilot did not see the north-south power line that crossed the airplane's flight path. The airplane subsequently collided with the power line, impacted the ground, and nosed over. The operator stated that the pilot was briefed on the location of the wire and the hazards of flight into sun prior to the flight. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA301 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188B
- N-number
- N4831R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.