# NTSB LAX83LA288: Air Tractor AT 301, N4337S, Yuma, AZ, June 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1983, 12:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Yuma, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.679538, -114.659599 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6795&lon=-114.6596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23752
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA288
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23752/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA288

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - airspeed - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE LANDED ON A FARM ROAD TO INSPECT THE ALTERNATOR & ASSOCIATED WIRING BEFORE STARTING AERIAL APPLICATION. FOLLOWING THE INSPECTION, DURING WHICH NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG, HE COMMENCED TAKING OFF. AS THE ACFT WAS ACCELERATING FOR TAKEOFF, A SOFT AREA WAS ENCOUNTERED WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED THE GROUND ROLL. MOMENTS AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE, THE LEFT WING TIP & SPRAY BOOM IMPACTED A CITRUS TREE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLT LOST CONTROL & THE ACFT STALLED & IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4337S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4337S-1990-10-26), registration cancelled 1990-10-26, S/N 3010083 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR AT 301
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-301) (registry code 0390103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 301-0083
- Airframe hours: 3570
- Engines: P&W R-1340 AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Valley Sprayer & Duster Serv.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 21, 1983, 73 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,000 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 100 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830615025919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830615025919A), Jun 15, 1983: Airtrc AT301, Yuma, AZ, Substantial damage. Pilot made off airport landing to inspect aircraft. During takeoff aircraft hit soft spot causing crash.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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