Casualties unknown

1983-06-15: Air Tractor AT 301 (N4337S) — Yuma, AZ

Yuma, AZ, US

On June 15, 1983, an Air Tractor AT 301 (registration N4337S) was involved in an aviation accident near Yuma, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on a farm road to inspect an alternator encountered a soft area during takeoff, leading to a left wing and spray boom strike with a citrus tree, followed by a loss of control and ground impact.

Overview

A pilot conducting an aerial application flight reported that he landed an aircraft on a farm road to inspect the alternator and associated wiring. After the inspection revealed no issues, the pilot began a takeoff from the same road.

Takeoff Sequence

During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft was accelerating, the pilot encountered a soft area that significantly increased the ground roll required to become airborne. Shortly after lifting off, the left wing tip and spray boom impacted a citrus tree.

Loss of Control

Following the impact with the tree, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted the ground.

Inspection Details

Prior to the takeoff, the pilot landed specifically to check the alternator and its wiring. The inspection did not reveal any discrepancies, and no issues were found.

Location and Conditions

The event occurred on a farm road during an aerial application operation. The road surface had a soft area that affected the takeoff performance. No further details about the location, time of day, or weather conditions were provided in the source.

Damage and Injuries

The source did not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft or whether any injuries occurred. No information about toxicology tests or fatalities was included.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43409. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.