What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was preparing for rice seeding operations. During this phase, the engine began to backfire and experienced a significant loss of power. The pilot attempted to return to the agricultural strip but was unable to maintain flight as the engine quit completely. Consequently, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing. The aircraft crashed into overhead wires and subsequently struck a house.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the engine revealed mechanical failure. Specifically, the number two cylinder was found to be cracked. This structural damage resulted in a loss of compression within that cylinder, which contributed to the backfiring and subsequent power loss observed during the flight.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the mechanical failure of the engine. The cracked cylinder caused the loss of compression and power, leaving the pilot with no option but to attempt a forced landing in an unsuitable area. The crash into wires and the house was a direct result of this in-flight engine failure.