Accident Details
The incident occurred after the aircraft completed a swath run and began to pull up. During this maneuver, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing, touching down in a blueberry field. The aircraft came to rest in the field without further incident.
Investigation
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a failed connecting rod. The engine had accumulated 1,900 hours since its last overhaul. The manufacturer's recommended interval between overhauls is 1,200 hours. According to the company owner, he was aware that the engine required an overhaul but hoped it would continue to operate until the end of the aerial application season.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the engine failure resulted from a broken connecting rod. The engine had been operated significantly beyond the manufacturer's recommended overhaul interval, contributing to the mechanical failure.