What happened
The aircraft was conducting an agricultural application operation, specifically spraying a rice field. During this phase of flight, the pilot reported experiencing a complete failure of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude or reach a suitable runway, the pilot executed a forced landing in an adjacent open field. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Following the incident, the owner of the aircraft examined the situation and noted that the fuel tanks were empty. Based on this observation, the owner concluded that the flight had ended due to fuel exhaustion. To determine if a mechanical failure contributed to the event, a post-accident engine run was conducted. This test was successful, and no mechanical discrepancies were identified during the inspection.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the aircraft operated normally until the power loss occurred. The primary factor leading to the forced landing was the depletion of fuel supplies. The subsequent mechanical inspection confirmed that the engine itself was functioning correctly at the time of the test, pointing away from a mechanical malfunction as the root cause.
Safety message
Pilots conducting agricultural operations must ensure adequate fuel reserves are available for the intended mission profile and any necessary diversions.