Incident Overview
An agricultural aircraft was damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power while conducting an aerial application flight, according to a report from the pilot. The incident occurred when the pilot initiated a pull-up to approximately 100 feet to return to the airport, at which point the engine ceased producing power completely.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported checking the magnetos, which resulted in no change in engine response. He then executed a forced landing in what he described as a "soft summer fallow field." The aircraft sustained damage during the landing.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine and a subsequent operational check revealed no anomalies or mechanical malfunctions that would explain the power loss.
Fuel Quantity Concerns
In a conversation with a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, the pilot indicated that he was unsure of the fuel quantity at the time of the accident. However, in his written report, the pilot stated that the aircraft had 71.7 gallons of fuel on board at the last takeoff. The discrepancy between these accounts was noted but not resolved in the report.
Investigation Status
The investigation did not identify a specific cause for the engine failure. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location were provided in the available documentation.