Incident Description
A commercial pilot was conducting agricultural operations, spreading seed rice on a field. During the second pass across the field, the engine stopped, then resumed power. This sequence of power loss and restoration occurred two more times. The pilot attempted to reach a road for a forced landing but ultimately had to land in a flooded rice field. At touchdown, the airplane flipped forward, coming to rest in an inverted position.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was demolished. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Post-Recovery Findings
After the aircraft was recovered, investigators found that the number four cylinder intake valve rocker box housing was cracked.