Accident Overview
A pilot reported a complete loss of engine power approximately halfway through the first spray pass of an agricultural application flight. The pilot pulled up from the field, jettisoned the spray load, and elected to land straight ahead in an adjoining field.
Landing and Nose-Over
After touchdown, the pilot held the control stick back. The tail began to lift, and before the aircraft stopped, it nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness aviation safety inspector conducted a post-accident examination of the aircraft. The aircraft's most recent annual inspection had been completed the day prior to the accident. The inspector found that the engine's Py line had not been secured properly, a condition that would have prevented proper fuel scheduling to the engine's fuel control unit. Additionally, the inspector reported that the outboard leading edge of the left wing tip had sustained substantial damage, which would have adversely affected the flight characteristics of the aircraft.