Accident Overview
A pilot conducting an aerial application operation experienced an engine malfunction while en route to the treatment area. According to the pilot, the engine began to misfire and subsequently cut out. Unable to resolve the issue through corrective actions, the pilot jettisoned the chemical load and turned back toward the departure airstrip.
Emergency Landing
During the return flight, the pilot determined that reaching the airstrip was unlikely and elected to perform an emergency landing in a bean field. The aircraft touched down on the soft, cultivated surface. As it rolled out, the nose gear dug in, causing the aircraft to nose over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the accident.
Post-Accident Investigation
After the accident, investigators examined the aircraft. The examination revealed that one of the engine's cylinders had blown. The blown cylinder was consistent with the reported loss of engine power. No other significant anomalies were noted in the airframe or systems.
Findings
The accident sequence began with an in-flight engine malfunction. The pilot's decision to dump the chemical load and attempt a return was appropriate under the circumstances. The forced landing in the bean field was necessitated by the inability to reach the airstrip. The soft ground contributed to the nose-over during rollout.