Accident Sequence
The accident occurred during a downwind swath when the engine lost power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane into the wind to execute a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a dirt terrace. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane had been stored in a hangar for approximately two weeks with the fuel tanks filled to three-quarters capacity. The pilot performed a preflight inspection, loaded the hopper with a defoliant, and departed for the flight. The operator and a mechanic subsequently discovered debris in the fuel gascolator and the carburetor.
Fuel Investigation
The pilot reported that the fuel contamination originated from fueling the airplane at the Hillsboro Municipal Airport. Airport personnel use the Velcron filter system for fuel dispensing. Fuel testing procedures conducted by the manufacturer and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were negative for contamination. No other airplane operators who purchased fuel at the airport had experienced any fuel contamination issues.
Aftermath
The aircraft was found inverted with collapsed landing gear. The debris found in the fuel system was noted but no further details on the source or nature of the debris were provided. No probable cause for the engine power loss was officially stated.