What happened
During an agricultural application flight, a Cessna (type not specified) experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to manage the power loss by performing a forced landing in an open field. Following the impact, the aircraft came to rest in a ditch. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was carrying herbicide.
The investigation
The engine involved had approximately 17 hours of operation since a factory overhaul and had been installed on the aircraft two months prior to the incident. An on-scene inspection of the engine confirmed mechanical and valve train continuity, and investigators verified thumb compression in the proper firing order. A subsequent teardown inspection of both the engine and the propeller revealed no discrepancies. Additionally, bench tests performed on the fuel and ignition systems showed that they were operating within specified parameters.