Accident Details
A pilot was conducting a calibration flight for a spray system using a 50-gallon load of water. The flight was intended to test and adjust the spray equipment.
Sequence of Events
During a swath run, the pilot heard a loud noise or whirring sound. He initially suspected a spray pump propeller failure. In response, he pulled up, initiated a left turn to land, and began dumping the water load. Simultaneously, he realized that engine power had been lost. The pilot was unable to reach the runway.
Just prior to touchdown in a cut-over area, the left wing struck a stump. The aircraft subsequently crashed. The engine separated from the airframe and came to rest partially submerged in a drainage ditch.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the carburetor had separated from the engine. The throttle control had failed in tension. The mixture control push-pull wire was not attached to the carburetor. Examination of the mixture control wire attach end showed no signs of tensile loading or scratches on the wire. The attaching hardware could not be found.