Introduction
A pilot was engaged in an agricultural operation to blow cherry trees dry using rotor downwash. The flight was conducted at an altitude of approximately 5 to 8 feet above the treetops, requiring precise maneuvering.
Flight Details
The operation involved flying at very low altitude to direct rotor downwash onto the cherry trees. This necessitated constant maneuvering to cover the orchard effectively.
Engine Issue
During the flight, one set of points in the engine's dual-point magneto became loose and ceased functioning. This resulted in a loss of ignition from that set of points, causing the engine to suffer a partial loss of power.
Forced Landing
Due to the low altitude at which the aircraft was operating and the maneuvering required for the drying task, there was insufficient altitude to avoid a forced landing. The pilot was compelled to land in the cherry orchard.