STRASBURG, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On Tuesday, August 10th at approximately 7:40 am, a crop spraying aircraft actively engaged in spraying struck a high voltage transmission line.

The impact caused disabling damage to the aircraft a single engine, 1975 Rockwell International S2R and it crashed into a nearby field. The pilot 63 year old Michel Gunia of Linton, ND suffered fatal injuries during the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Western Area Power Administration transmission line was severed. The crash occurred three miles west and three miles south of Strasburg, ND near the intersection of 7th avenue and 92nd street SE.

The crash remains under investigation by the NDHP and FAA with the assistance of the Emmons County Sheriff’s office.