Accident Details
A North American AT-6D aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power in flight. The pilot executed a wheels-up landing in a hay field after the engine lost power shortly after takeoff.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that after takeoff, while on the downwind leg for a pass at the field, he experienced a loss of fuel pressure and engine power. The engine briefly restarted a couple of times before quitting entirely. The pilot selected a hay field for a forced landing and decided to land with the landing gear retracted (wheels up). During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck a tree in the field.
Sheriff's Report
According to a Sheriff's report, the pilot reported that he was running out of fuel and was looking for a place to land. While traveling north, the aircraft clipped a tree, struck the ground, and slid to a stop. The pilot stated that he did not know how much fuel was on board the airplane. Examination after the accident revealed no fuel present in the gas tank.