Engine Failure During Aerial Application Takeoff Leads to Nose-Over (N14RY)

Accident Overview

An aerial application flight experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The commercial pilot executed a landing on the remaining runway, aiming toward the departure end. However, the aircraft overran the runway and entered a wheat field. The main landing gear tires became embedded in soft, wet soil, causing the aircraft to nose over. This resulted in the engine fracturing and separating from the fuselage, and the vertical stabilizer and rudder were crushed downward. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Engine Examination

Post-accident examination of the engine revealed a fracture in the rocker arm boss on the number 1 cylinder. This fracture prevented the exhaust valve from opening, leading to the loss of engine power. The failure of the rocker arm boss was the direct cause of the engine failure during the takeoff phase.