What happened
The aircraft was engaged in aerial application operations when the pilot noticed a sudden decrease in fuel pressure accompanied by engine surging. Unable to maintain power, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. The terrain available for landing consisted of cotton rows, which presented significant obstacles and uneven surfaces. During the landing roll across these rows, the aircraft lost stability and flipped into an inverted position.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft to determine the root cause of the mechanical failure. Despite detailed inspection efforts, the examination failed to reveal any specific reason for the loss of fuel pressure or the subsequent surging of the engine. No obvious mechanical defects or fuel system failures were identified that could explain the power loss.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the unexplained loss of fuel pressure during critical flight operations. The inability to diagnose the mechanical issue led to a forced landing in unsuitable terrain. The rough ground of the cotton rows contributed directly to the aircraft flipping inverted upon impact and during the subsequent roll.