Accident Overview
An agricultural application airplane was destroyed during a forced landing that resulted in impact with terrain and a post-crash fire. The aircraft, used for crop dusting and related operations, came to rest on an interstate highway after the pilot attempted to avoid automobile traffic.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the loss of engine power occurred while the airplane was climbing through 500 feet above ground level. Faced with a sudden reduction in thrust, the pilot initiated a forced landing and chose to land along an interstate in an effort to avoid colliding with vehicles. The airplane subsequently struck the ground and was engulfed in fire.
Engine Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine revealed damage to the engine and its accessories. However, the extent of the impact damage and the subsequent post-crash fire precluded the identification of any mechanical anomalies that may have been present prior to the accident. Investigators were unable to determine whether a preexisting mechanical issue contributed to the power loss.
Conclusion
The destruction of the agricultural airplane was the result of a forced landing following an engine power loss. The pilot's actions to avoid automobile traffic led to the landing on an interstate, where the aircraft impacted terrain and caught fire. The investigation was unable to identify any specific mechanical failures due to the damage caused by the impact and fire.