What happened
The incident occurred during agricultural operations when the pilot was actively spraying chemicals over a field. At that moment, the aircraft engine experienced a sudden loss of power. Recognizing the emergency, the pilot initiated an immediate landing procedure. The aircraft was directed into a soft field for the emergency touchdown. During the landing roll, the airplane flipped onto its back, coming to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the airframe and the propulsion system to determine the root cause of the power loss. The examination focused heavily on the engine components due to the nature of the failure. The inspection revealed that the number eight cylinder had cracked. This mechanical failure was identified as the primary reason for the engine stopping.
Findings
The substantial damage sustained by the airplane included significant harm to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The structural integrity of these components was compromised during the inverted landing roll. The investigation confirmed that the cracked cylinder was the direct cause of the engine failure, leading to the forced landing.