What happened
During the initial takeoff climb, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power following the first power reduction. At the time of the incident, the agricultural airplane was carrying a payload of 1,000 pounds of rice seed.
To avoid trees in the flight path, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft and successfully dumped the payload. The aircraft subsequently touched down in a marshy, grassy area. Upon contact with the ground, the main landing gear tires sank into the soft mud, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position, partially submerged in water. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage was conducted by the operator and an FAA inspector. This investigation determined that the loss of engine power was caused by fuel starvation resulting from a blocked fuel vent tube.