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March 13, 2004 · Air Tractor AT-301 · N4359S

Plain Dealing, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 13, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Plain Dealing, LA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301
Tail Number
N4359S
Operator
Agriculture and Pest Control
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW04LA091

The 8,500-hour pilot, initiated his climb after takeoff and the R-1340 radial engine "coughed" and lost power. The pilot stated that the engine regained power but it "was not enough to gain any altitude." Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright and a post-impact fire ensued. The reason for the loss of power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On March 13, 2004, at 1000 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-301 agricultural single-engine airplane, N4359S, registered to and operated by Arkana Agricultural Flying Services, Inc., of Bradley, Arkansas, was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip near Plain Dealing, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to information provided by the pilot, during the initial climb after takeoff, the R-1340 radial engine "coughed" and lost power. The pilot stated that the engine regained power but it "was not enough to gain any altitude." Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright where a post-impact fire ensued. At 0953, the automated surface observing station at the Monicello Municipal Airport (LLQ), near Monticello, Arkansas, located approximately 15 miles to the east of the accident site, reported the wind from 110 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 57 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.31 inches of Mercury. According to FAA airman medical records, the pilot's most recent medical examination was conducted on August 6, 2003. As of the date of the medical, the pilot reported 8,500 total flight hours. The owner of the airplane has not responded to several attempts by the investigator-in-charge to obtain a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-301
Tail NumberN4359S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAgriculture and Pest Control
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 28 C
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data