In times of stress, frustration or anger, many parents snap and lash out. This does not mean that these parents are abusers or make them bad parents. Most of the time, parents who hit in these circumstances feel as upset as their children and regret it afterwards.
But hitting children when 'losing it' or 'at the end of your tether' is the worst time to do it (not that there ever is a particularly good time). You are not in control. I know, I've been there too.
Physical punishment can be dangerous and, as most professionals and parents agree, it is ineffective as a means of discipline. Because it's ineffective, hitting can get progressively harder and, therefore, more dangerous.
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