Incident Overview
An agricultural aircraft conducting a fertilizing operation lost engine power while en route to a field. The pilot reported that the engine began backfiring, missing, and emitting smoke. In response, the pilot jettisoned the fertilizer load and attempted to fly back to the departure airstrip. However, the engine continued to lose power, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing in a bean field. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine's magneto system was conducted. Testing revealed that one magneto was not firing due to an internal drive gear failure. The other magneto was found to be misfiring because of a wide point gap clearance. The specific type of aircraft, registration, operator, and precise location were not disclosed in the source material. No information regarding occupants, injuries, or damage beyond the aircraft's inverted position was provided.
Circumstances
The incident occurred during daytime conditions, but the exact time and weather parameters were not specified. The pilot's actions of dumping the load and attempting to return to the airstrip were documented, but no additional details about ATC involvement or other contributing factors were given.