What happened
The pilot performed a preflight inspection that included checking fuel samples for contaminants, and no issues were reported. After loading chemicals onto the aircraft, the pilot flew for 15 minutes to a soybean field to begin spraying operations.
After approximately 100 gallons had been sprayed, the aircraft collided with trees surrounding the field. The pilot did not recall the specific events leading up to the collision, and there were no eyewitnesses to the accident. However, two individuals near the site provided differing accounts regarding how the engine was operating prior to the impact.
The investigation
An examination of the engine revealed that water was present in the fuel manifold valve and the number 6 cylinder. While impact forces caused damage to the fuel tanks, a post-crash examination determined that the engine had been operating normally.