What happened
The aircraft departed en route to a rice field for aerial application work. The pilot reported that the airplane seemed slightly weak during the initial climb. Consequently, the pilot elected to remain in ground effect for approximately one mile while maintaining a gradual right turn at an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level.
During this maneuver, the engine experienced a sudden disruption described as popping, followed by backfiring and complete power loss. In response to the emergency, the pilot attempted to dump the agricultural load. The aircraft subsequently impacted a gravel road, struck a ditch, and slid into an adjacent cotton field.
The investigation
Following the accident, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors conducted a thorough examination of the engine. Their inspection revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or pre-impact failure that would explain the loss of power.