Incident Overview
While ferrying an airplane between fields for an aerial application flight, the pilot encountered a sudden engine anomaly at an altitude of approximately 50 feet. The engine "coughed or backfired," prompting the pilot to execute an immediate forced landing onto a nearby road.
Accident Sequence
During the forced landing, the aircraft flipped over, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot's timely decision to land on the road prevented a more uncontrolled descent, though the rollover caused significant structural impact.
Engine Examination
Following the accident, a thorough examination of the radial engine was conducted. No mechanical anomalies were discovered, with the exception of carbon deposits observed in the carburetor intake. These deposits did not correlate with any identified malfunction, leaving the exact cause of the engine cough or backfire undetermined.