What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane was operating over a wooded area when it executed a right turn to enter a field designated for spraying operations. During this maneuver, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. In an attempt to mitigate the situation, the pilot dumped the spray load. However, the aircraft immediately entered an uncontrolled roll and impacted 75-foot-tall trees and terrain.
The investigation
An on-site examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators checked the fuel tanks and confirmed that they maintained structural integrity; however, there was no fuel available in the tanks at the time of impact. A subsequent mechanical examination of the engine revealed no anomalies or defects that would have contributed to the loss of power.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. With no fuel remaining in the tanks and no mechanical failures detected, the loss of power was attributed to the depletion of the fuel supply. The pilot's decision to dump the load did not prevent the subsequent roll and impact with the trees.
Safety message
Pilots conducting agricultural operations must ensure adequate fuel reserves are maintained for the entire flight profile, including contingency planning for unexpected turns or delays. Regular fuel management checks are critical to preventing fuel exhaustion during low-altitude, high-workload phases of flight.