What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in an aerial application mission. According to the pilot's report, the engine initially began to run roughly. Shortly after this onset of irregular operation, the chip detector warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, signaling a potential internal mechanical issue.
While en route back toward the airstrip, the engine lost all power. With no option for continued flight, the pilot executed a forced landing in an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with rough terrain, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The examination revealed that the number five connecting rod had broken. This mechanical failure is consistent with the reported symptoms of engine roughness and subsequent chip detector activation.