Casualties unknown

1996-06-18: Air Tractor 301A (N7319C) — Hunter, AR

Hunter, AR, US

On June 18, 1996, an Air Tractor 301A (registration N7319C) was involved in an aviation accident near Hunter, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. 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

Witnesses observed a crop-dusting airplane descend without engine sound; engine reportedly 'trying to get its sound back' before impacting in a right-wing-low attitude. The right wing fuel tank may not have been refueled.

Accident Details

An agricultural airplane was destroyed when it impacted terrain while spraying a field. The accident occurred approximately 1 hour 15 minutes after departure, which began at 1100. The pilot did not recall any part of the accident event. The airplane impacted the ground in a right wing low attitude.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses reported that they were observing the airplane during the spraying operation. They stated they could not hear the engine running as the airplane began to descend toward the ground. One witness noted that the engine was 'trying to get its sound back' just before impact.

Fueling and Flight Information

According to the pilot's ground crew, the airplane was refueled prior to the flight, but only the left wing tank was filled. The right wing tank was not checked or refueled. The operator reported that each wing fuel tank has a capacity of 60 gallons of usable fuel. The flight duration from departure to the accident was approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Post-Accident Observations

Fuel tank integrity was compromised by impact damage. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces, and an engine run could not be performed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05980. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.