What happened
The pilot in command was conducting agricultural operations, specifically performing a swath run over a field, when the aircraft's engine suddenly lost power. Despite the mechanical failure, the pilot managed to maintain control and execute an emergency landing in a nearby flooded rice paddy. Upon making contact with the water surface, the aircraft flipped inverted.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel system and traced the source of the contamination. The fuel farm where the aircraft was originally fueled was found to have been contaminated with water. This water ingress into the fuel supply caused the engine failure that led to the accident.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the presence of water in the fuel system, which originated from the fuel farm. The contamination rendered the fuel unusable for proper engine operation, leading to a loss of power during critical flight operations.