What happened
The pilot was operating an agricultural aircraft engaged in crop dusting duties. After completing the spraying of a designated field, the aircraft was maneuvering over a nearby body of water. During this phase of flight, the engine suddenly stopped producing power.
Despite the sudden loss of thrust, the pilot managed to restart the engine. However, the altitude at that moment was critically low, leaving insufficient height to clear the terrain or find a suitable emergency landing site away from the water. Consequently, the aircraft was forced to land in shallow water. The impact resulted in structural damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system to determine the cause of the power loss. A thorough inspection of the fuel tanks revealed the presence of water contamination. This foreign substance in the fuel supply is identified as the primary mechanical factor that led to the engine quitting during operation.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the engine failure was not due to pilot error or mechanical breakdown unrelated to fuel quality. The presence of water in the fuel system disrupted combustion, causing the engine to stop. The subsequent decision-making by the pilot to attempt a restart was appropriate given the circumstances, but the low altitude constrained the available options for recovery.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of regular fuel sampling and filtration in agricultural aviation operations. Water contamination can occur during refueling or due to condensation in tanks exposed to temperature changes. Pilots and operators must ensure strict adherence to fuel quality checks to prevent engine failures during low-altitude maneuvers common in crop dusting.