What happened
The incident occurred during an aerial application flight when the pilot completed a swath run. At approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine quit. The pilot initiated a forced landing into a soft, cultivated field. During the landing roll, which extended for 220 feet, the aircraft nosed over.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and its fuel storage infrastructure to determine the cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that water contamination was present within the aircraft's fuel system. Furthermore, an inspection of the operator's underground fuel storage facility showed that it contained eight inches of water.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the presence of water in the fuel supply. This contamination led to fuel exhaustion or engine malfunction, causing the loss of power at a critical altitude. The subsequent forced landing resulted in the aircraft nosing over.