Pilot okay after striking power line near Bryan
7/21/2009BRYAN - A pilot spraying a cornfield Monday night struck a power line but was able to land safely at the nearby Williams County Airport, state troopers said.
According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Mark Gaerte, 31, of Defiance was flying a Piper fixed-wing, single-engine airplane applying a crop protection product to a field near County Rd. 16.25 when he struck the power line about 8:45 p.m.
Troopers said the power line was pulled from the pole and the plane damaged, but Mr. Gaerte was able to land.
Toledo Edison was called to replace the power line. The Federal Aviation Administration also was contacted to investigate.