Engine Power Loss During Aerial Application Leads to Collision with Trees (N21762)

Incident Overview

An aircraft conducting an aerial application maneuver experienced a complete loss of engine power while operating at an altitude of 70 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot responded by leveling the wings and dumping the remaining load. Shortly thereafter, the engine regained full power briefly, accompanied by a backfire, before losing power again. The aircraft subsequently collided with almond trees.

Wreckage Examination

Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel injection lines contained no fuel. The fuel tanks were ruptured and also contained no fuel. Only a small amount of fuel was found beneath the ruptured tanks, suggesting that the tanks were essentially empty at the time of impact.

Key Findings

• The engine power loss occurred at low altitude during a critical phase of flight.
• The pilot executed standard emergency procedures by leveling the wings and dumping the load.
• The temporary power recovery and backfire indicate possible fuel starvation or contamination, though the source does not specify a cause.
• The absence of fuel in the injection lines and tanks points to a fuel supply issue, but no definitive conclusion is provided in the source material.