Incident Details
An aircraft was engaged in power line stringing operations when it suffered an engine failure. The aircraft was in a right-side-low, nose-high attitude while pulling a wire attached to its left side. Wind conditions at the time were from the right rear quarter. The loss of power occurred without warning.
Sequence of Events
Following the power loss, the aircraft rotated approximately 45 degrees. The pilot had only enough time to level the aircraft and execute a pitch pull before impact, as the altitude was low at 150 feet above ground level. The aircraft struck the ground in a level attitude with no forward speed. Upon impact, the skids failed, and the aircraft rolled over.
Pilot Observations
After the accident, the pilot suspected that fuel starvation had occurred, likely resulting from the aircraft's attitude during the maneuver and inertial forces. The aircraft was equipped with a single fuel pick-up point in the tank.