Incident Overview
A pilot reported that the takeoff was normal, with the airplane accelerating and producing power as expected. After the main tires cleared the ground, the pilot heard three short backfire sounds, immediately followed by a loss of engine revolutions per minute (rpm).
Pilot Actions
In response to the power loss, the pilot attempted a slow right-hand turn to position the aircraft for a landing on a field road. The pilot decided against continuing straight ahead due to the presence of trees in the flight path. During the turn, the airplane was losing forward speed and altitude. Before the pilot could release the load of 135 gallons of chemical, the airplane stalled.
Accident Sequence
The left main landing gear struck the ground first. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over, coming to final rest in an inverted (on its back) position.
Postcrash Examination
An FAA inspector conducted a postcrash examination of the airplane. The inspector noted that damage to the propeller blades indicated the engine was running at substantial power at the time of contact with the soil in the field.