Incident Overview
A pilot with 9,155 hours of flight time was conducting an aerial application of insecticide. After finishing application in a field approximately 5 miles from the airport, the pilot pulled up and executed a 180-degree right turn to return to the airport. At an altitude of about 100 to 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine lost power.
Forced Landing
Due to the low altitude, the pilot reported that turning in either direction was severely limited. He initiated a forced landing into a bean field. During the landing, the aircraft struck a drainage canal.
Fuel System Examination
Post-incident examination of the fuel system revealed no fuel in the right wing tank. The pilot stated that he had been making all turns to the left during the flight, and that this had caused fuel to transfer from the right fuel cell into the left fuel cell.
Pilot Account
The pilot provided the above details regarding the sequence of events and the fuel transfer. No other factors were noted in the source.