Accident Overview
The pilot was conducting a crop spraying flight when the engine suddenly lost power. The aircraft was too low to attempt an engine restart, prompting the pilot to initiate a forced landing into a field with tall crops.
Forced Landing and Nose-Over
During the landing, the airplane nosed over. The tall crops likely contributed to the sudden deceleration that caused the aircraft to pitch forward.
Engine Examination
After the accident, an examination of the engine revealed significant mechanical failures. The crankshaft gear was found to be loose, and both the alignment pin and attachment bolt were sheared. Additionally, the crankshaft gear and the magneto drive gear had ten teeth broken off.