Accident Overview
An agricultural pilot conducting aerial application operations experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight, leading to a forced landing that ended with the aircraft striking trees and crashing. The pilot reported departing from a private airstrip for the day's flights and chose not to refuel before the third flight.
Flight Sequence
The pilot stated that while cruising at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly lost all power. Diagnosing the issue as fuel exhaustion, the pilot initiated a right turn toward a suitable forced landing area. During the descent, the landing gear collided with treetops, and the aircraft subsequently impacted the ground.
Post-Accident Investigation
A detailed examination of the airframe, flight control systems, engine assembly, and accessories found no pre-existing mechanical failures or malfunctions. The main fuel tank and the reservoir tank each contained only a trace amount of fuel, consistent with fuel exhaustion as the cause of the power loss. No other anomalies were identified in the aircraft's systems.