Casualties unknown

1993-03-30: Air Tractor AT-301 (N4437S) — Mcconnaughhay, Kenneth W. — Des Arc, AR

Des Arc, AR, US

On March 30, 1993, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N4437S) operated by Mcconnaughhay, Kenneth W. was involved in an aviation accident near Des Arc, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF OUTSIDE VISUAL REFERENCE AND LOSS OF CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During agricultural spraying, weather deteriorated. While returning to a private airstrip, a nearby lightning strike caused the pilot to lose outside visual references, leading to an uncontrolled descent and ground impact.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an agricultural aircraft reported that while conducting spraying operations, weather conditions began to deteriorate. In response, he decided to return to his private airstrip.

Loss of Control

During the return flight, lightning struck in close proximity to the aircraft. This resulted in the pilot losing outside visual references. The airplane subsequently descended out of control and impacted the ground.

Final Moments

Just prior to impact, the pilot was able to level the wings of the airplane. No further details were provided by the pilot regarding the incident.

Investigation

No probable cause was stated in the available source material. The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather characterization, injuries, or damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11991. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.