On June 19, 1997, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N7308E) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Animas, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: in-flight collision with terrain, while maneuvering, for undetermined reason(s). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft was found burning after spraying a corn field with herbicide. No witnesses; pilot had Reiter's Syndrome. Toxicological tests were negative. Later, farmer found stunted corn patches.
Incident Overview
The accident occurred while the pilot was nearly finished spraying a 33-acre corn field with the herbicide 'Lightning'. The aircraft was discovered burning in a field adjacent to the sprayed area, on an approach path. No witnesses were present. The sheriff reported that the wind was calm at the time.
Pilot Medical History
The pilot had been receiving treatment for Reiter's Syndrome for the previous three years. The condition was reportedly under control with prescribed medication. Toxicological tests performed after the accident disclosed no evidence of alcohol, drugs, cyanide, or carbon monoxide.
Subsequent Findings
Approximately one week after the accident, the farmer reported finding two distinct areas of stunted and discolored corn located at opposite ends of the field that had been sprayed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was not informed of this finding until four months after the accident. Soil sample tests conducted on the field revealed a trace amount of oil and grease.