Incident Details
A pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power while maneuvering for a swath run during an agricultural spraying operation. The pilot selected an adjacent cotton field for a forced landing.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airframe and the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. No fuel was recovered from the aircraft fuel system. However, the fuel bladder was damaged, and a small quantity of fuel was reportedly spilled in the bottom of the wing assembly.
Fuel System Information
According to the Cessna 188B flight manual, two gallons of fuel are unusable in the aircraft fuel system. This specification may be relevant to the fuel quantity available at the time of the power loss.
Engine Functional Check
During a functional check of the engine assembly, the engine started and operated normally, indicating that the engine itself was not mechanically compromised.
Conclusion
The cause of the power loss remains undetermined based on the examination results. No mechanical issues were identified, and the engine operated normally after the incident. The fuel system damage prevented a precise assessment of pre-incident fuel quantity.