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NTSB Report
March 30, 1993 · Air Tractor AT-301 · N4437S
Des Arc, AR
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Des Arc, AR
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301
Tail Number
N4437S
Operator
Mcconnaughhay Kenneth W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW93LA114
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING AGRICULTURE SPRAYING OPERATIONS THE WEATHER CONDITIONS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE. HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO HIS PRIVATE AIR STRIP. DURING THE RETURN FLIGHT LIGHTNING STRUCK IN CLOSE PROXIMATELY TO THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN PILOT'S LOSS OF OUTSIDE VISUAL REFERENCES. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL TO GROUND IMPACT. JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO LEVEL THE WINGS OF THE AIRPLANE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S LOSS OF OUTSIDE VISUAL REFERENCE AND LOSS OF CONTROL.
Full Narrative
On March 30, 1993, at approximately 0915 central standard time (CST) an Air Tractor AT 301, N4437S, was destroyed on ground impact following a wire strike near Hickory Plains, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, also the owner and operator, was not injured. Weather was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation inspector that as he was maneuvering for continued spraying operations lightning struck an electrical power line to his immediate front. He reported that the bright flash caused him to lose his sight momentarily and he flew into the wire and descended uncontrollably to ground impact.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-301
Tail NumberN4437S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMcconnaughhay Kenneth W
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT