NTSB Factual Report

On March 13, 2004, at 1000 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-301 agricultural single-engine airplane, N4359S, registered to and operated by Arkana Agricultural Flying Services, Inc., of Bradley, Arkansas, was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip near Plain Dealing, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to information provided by the pilot, during the initial climb after takeoff, the R-1340 radial engine "coughed" and lost power. The pilot stated that the engine regained power but it "was not enough to gain any altitude." Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright where a post-impact fire ensued.

At 0953, the automated surface observing station at the Monicello Municipal Airport (LLQ), near Monticello, Arkansas, located approximately 15 miles to the east of the accident site, reported the wind from 110 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 57 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.31 inches of Mercury.

According to FAA airman medical records, the pilot's most recent medical examination was conducted on August 6, 2003. As of the date of the medical, the pilot reported 8,500 total flight hours.

The owner of the airplane has not responded to several attempts by the investigator-in-charge to obtain a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.