Air Tractor Inc AT-301 N4326S accident near Lamoni, Iowa

Probable cause

A loss of airplane performance for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that the accident flight was the sixth or seventh aerial application flight that he performed on the day of the accident. He stated that the run-up and takeoff for flight were normal. When he turned toward the intended field of application, he “noticed a lack of performance.” The pilot attempted to restore airplane performance without success. He dumped the load of aerial applicant, and airplane then impacted trees and terrain. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and postcrash fire.

The pilot stated that at the time of the accident the engine instrument indications, which included engine power and propeller speed. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the airplane’s reported lack of performance was not determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA354 for the full record.