What happened
Shortly after initiating takeoff, the aircraft encountered significant mechanical issues. The engine began running roughly almost immediately after leaving the ground. At this early stage of flight, having traveled only approximately one-quarter mile from the departure point, the pilot attempted to mitigate the situation by jettisoning the current load. Despite these efforts to reduce weight and restore performance, the aircraft was unable to maintain its altitude.
As the situation deteriorated, the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby plowed field. The aircraft came to rest approximately three-quarters of a mile from the service strip where the flight originated. No further details regarding injuries or specific weather conditions were provided in the source material.
The investigation
Following the incident, a mechanical examination of the engine was conducted to determine the root cause of the failure. The inspection revealed a critical internal component failure. Specifically, the teeth on the right magneto distributor gear were found to be stripped. This part is identified by manufacturer part number GE 52189. The stripping of these gear teeth indicates a mechanical breakdown within the ignition system that likely contributed to the engine's rough running and subsequent loss of power.
Findings
The primary factor in this event was the mechanical failure of the right magneto distributor gear. The stripping of the gear teeth prevented proper ignition timing, leading to the engine running rough. This mechanical issue occurred during the critical phase of flight immediately after takeoff. The pilot's decision to jettison the load was a reasonable attempt to improve performance, but it could not overcome the loss of power caused by the engine failure. The aircraft ultimately required a forced landing due to the inability to sustain flight.