Accident Overview
A turbine-powered agricultural airplane experienced an engine power loss approximately 30 minutes into an aerial application flight. The commercial pilot, who had accumulated 14,000 flight hours, reported that while maneuvering at about 10 feet above ground level, the engine lost power and he was unable to maintain flight. The pilot elected to execute a forced landing on a nearby terraced cotton field.
Landing and Damage
After touchdown, the single-engine airplane slid for approximately 150 to 200 feet before coming to rest in an upright position. There was no post-impact fire. The wings, fuselage, and tail sustained structural damage, and the propeller was also damaged.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector who responded to the site found evidence of an engine oil leak along the left side and lower fuselage; however, the source of the leak could not be determined. Examination of the engine oil reservoir revealed that both the reservoir and the dipstick were dry. The airplane was reported to have about 100 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the mishap.
Aircraft Maintenance History
A review of the airplane's logbooks indicated that the last annual inspection and 100-hour inspection were performed on March 10, 2007. The total time on the airframe at that time was 5,175.8 hours.