Incident Overview
An agricultural pilot was maneuvering to begin another spray run when the engine sputtered and stopped, causing the propeller to cease rotation. In response, the pilot extended full flaps and initiated a forced landing, aiming for a path situated between two fields.
Forced Landing and Stall
As the airplane approached the ground, the pilot intentionally stalled the aircraft just above a corn field to reduce landing speed. During the stall, the right wing dropped and struck tall corn stalks, causing the airplane to cartwheel.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 connecting rod had fractured. This failure resulted in a hole being knocked in the crankcase, which was the likely cause of the engine stoppage.