Incident Overview
A pilot conducting aerial application operations reported a partial loss of engine power while spraying an agricultural field. The event occurred after the pilot completed spraying one field and began spraying another.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, while executing a climbing right turn over the field, he applied engine power, at which point the engine lost power. Subsequent increases of the throttle control further reduced engine output. The pilot noted that had he not changed or reduced the throttle control setting, the engine would not have lost power.
Forced Landing
Faced with diminished engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing on a butte. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot was uninjured.
Mechanical Findings
No mechanical anomalies relating to the airplane were reported.