Incident Overview
An aerial application flight encountered a fuel-related emergency when the pilot observed a low fuel quantity indication on the gauge. Attempting to return to a nearby airstrip, the engine lost power, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing in a cornfield. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage as a result.
Pilot Statement
In a statement provided to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the engine failure occurred due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot had been conducting an aerial application operation when the low fuel reading was noticed.
Mechanic Examination
Following the accident, a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the aircraft. The inspection confirmed that the fuel tanks were empty, corroborating the pilot's account of fuel exhaustion as the cause of the power loss.
Damage Assessment
The forced landing in the cornfield resulted in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The aircraft was substantially damaged, though no further details on specific components were provided.
Conclusion
The accident was directly attributed to fuel exhaustion, which led to a complete loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing in an agricultural field.