DES ARC, AR, USA
N4437S
AIR TRACTOR AT-301
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING AGRICULTURE SPRAYING OPERATIONS THE WEATHER CONDITIONS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE. HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO HIS PRIVATE AIR STRIP. DURING THE RETURN FLIGHT LIGHTNING STRUCK IN CLOSE PROXIMATELY TO THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN PILOT'S LOSS OF OUTSIDE VISUAL REFERENCES. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL TO GROUND IMPACT. JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO LEVEL THE WINGS OF THE AIRPLANE.
On March 30, 1993, at approximately 0915 central standard time (CST) an Air Tractor AT 301, N4437S, was destroyed on ground impact following a wire strike near Hickory Plains, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, also the owner and operator, was not injured. Weather was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation inspector that as he was maneuvering for continued spraying operations lightning struck an electrical power line to his immediate front. He reported that the bright flash caused him to lose his sight momentarily and he flew into the wire and descended uncontrollably to ground impact.
THE PILOT'S LOSS OF OUTSIDE VISUAL REFERENCE AND LOSS OF CONTROL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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