Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention after the door hinge failed and a piece of door glass struck the pilot, resulting in the airplane's descent into the crops and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
While leveling off the airplane at the start of an aerial application run, the pilot heard a loud bang and was struck on the shoulder by a piece of the right door's acrylic glass. The pilot was momentarily distracted after being struck, and the airplane settled into the crops. The crops slowed the airplane, and the pilot could not get the airplane to climb before it impacted terrain. An examination of the airplane revealed that the right door's hinge was cracked at the front and rear attach points. The broken hinge allowed the door to open in flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA265 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 8, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lyons, Kansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-301
- N-number
- N23257
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.