What happened
The incident occurred during an agricultural operation involving the application of chemicals across a field. While performing a standard swath run, the aircraft suddenly lost engine power. In an effort to improve performance and regain control, the pilot attempted to lighten the load by jettisoning some of the chemical payload. Despite these efforts, the aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude and subsequently collided with a tree.
The investigation
Following the accident, authorities interviewed the pilot involved in the operation. During this interview, the pilot reported that the aircraft had been sold for salvage purposes shortly after the event. A mechanical examination of the engine was not possible due to the circumstances surrounding the sale and recovery of the wreckage. However, the pilot indicated that the aircraft had a documented history of supercharger problems, which may have contributed to the loss of power.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the sudden loss of engine power during a critical phase of flight. The pilot's attempt to lighten the load was a reasonable response but proved insufficient to prevent the collision. The lack of a physical examination of the engine leaves the exact mechanical cause undetermined, though the known history of supercharger issues suggests a potential mechanical failure.