N4437S – AIR TRACTOR AT-301 – 1993-03-30 NTSB Accident Report

On March 30, 1993, a Air Tractor AT-301 (N4437S) was involved in an incident near Des Arc, AR. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF OUTSIDE VISUAL REFERENCE AND LOSS OF CONTROL.

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.

This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW93LA114. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4437S.