What happened
Following takeoff, an agricultural airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. After departing the runway, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 75 feet agl before it began to settle toward the ground. In an attempt to manage the descent, the pilot performed an emergency chemical dump, but the aircraft continued to descend.
The aircraft subsequently performed a forced landing in a wheat field. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear failed, causing the airplane to groundloop. After the groundloop, the aircraft slid 60 feet before coming to a stop in an upright position. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the engine was conducted following the accident. Investigators found that the number 5 cylinder produced a compression of 34/80, which is below the manufacturer's specified minimum of 60/80. No other discrepancies were identified within the engine.