Introduction
An accident occurred during a firefighting operation when the aircraft, while maneuvering to dump water on a fire, experienced an engine anomaly that led to a loss of control and subsequent crash. The airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reduced power to descend to 100 feet above ground level (AGL) as part of the water-dumping maneuver. When the throttle was increased to level off, the engine did not respond. The pilot then switched hands on the control stick to pump the auxiliary fuel pump, but the engine still did not respond. After switching hands back to activate the dump lever, the pilot lost control of the aircraft.
Aftermath
The airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The operator reported finding wood 'cut by the propeller' at the accident site. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Investigation
Investigators were unable to identify the cause of the engine power loss. The presence of propeller-cut wood at the scene suggests contact with vegetation, but no specific conclusions were drawn regarding its relation to the engine failure or the loss of control.