What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-10-22 involved an Air Tractor AT-301, registration N4395S, at Morton, TX.

Loss of Control During Aerial Application Maneuver Leads to Terrain Impact (N4395S)

On October 22, 2001, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N4395S) was involved in an aviation accident near Morton, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during an aerial application maneuver. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An airplane impacted terrain after a loss of control during maneuvering in an aerial application flight. Witnesses observed steep turns before descent. Postimpact fire destroyed the aircraft; no mechanical anomalies found.

Accident Overview

During daytime visual meteorological conditions, an airplane engaged in an aerial application flight experienced a loss of control while maneuvering and subsequently struck the ground. The accident occurred following a sequence of turns observed by witnesses.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported seeing the airplane at an estimated altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) execute a near-vertical right turn, followed by a left turn. The aircraft then descended and impacted the terrain.

Aircraft Damage and Examination

A postimpact fire consumed the airplane, resulting in its destruction. An examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical discrepancies that would have prevented normal operational control of the aircraft before the impact.

Maneuver Details

The specific maneuvers described by witnesses occurred during the aerial application operation. The loss of control happened while the airplane was maneuvering, leading to the collision with the ground.

2001-10-22: Air Tractor AT-301 (N4395S) — Morton, TX