Summary
An agricultural pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, at about 100 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered and quit. The pilot turned toward a harvested cotton field to perform a forced landing. While maneuvering, he pumped the throttle; the engine restarted briefly before quitting again. The aircraft landed hard, causing the main landing gear to separate upon impact. The airplane slid approximately 50 feet, came to a stop, and subsequently caught fire.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector reported that the aircraft impacted the terrain at a high sink rate. A teardown inspection of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot reported no indication of fuel contamination during his preflight inspection. However, fire damage precluded examination of the aircraft's fuel supply for contaminants.
Conditions and Findings
No determination of the cause of the engine failure was provided. The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.