Accident Summary
An agricultural airplane struck a dike while attempting a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot had been returning to his private airstrip after completing a spray run. According to the pilot, the engine 'quit suddenly' during the return flight. The engine subsequently restarted but then lost power again, forcing the pilot to conduct a landing in a rice field. The aircraft impacted a dike in the process.
Pilot Account
The commercial pilot involved in the accident stated that he was returning to his private airstrip after finishing a spray run when the engine unexpectedly stopped. He reported that the engine then restarted, but it lost power a second time. This prompted him to make a forced landing in a rice field, during which the airplane struck a dike.
Fuel System Examination
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the aircraft after the accident. The inspector noted that the left fuel tank was dry, while the right fuel tank contained approximately 1 inch of fuel. Additionally, the fuel selector was found positioned on the left fuel tank.