Incident Overview
A pilot was spreading dry fertilizer on a wheat field when the engine began surging and lost power. According to a statement to an FAA inspector, the pilot was about 70 feet above the ground and climbed to approximately 250 feet before making a forced landing in an open field with full flaps deployed. The airplane slid into trees at the end of the field.
Pilot Observations
The pilot reported that the propeller did not auto-feather and appeared to be locked up. He noted that he normally flew for two hours as recorded on the Hobbs meter, but on that day he had only been flying for 0.8 hours.
Physical Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found no fuel in the fuel tanks, no fuel odor, and no fuel leaks on the ground. The salvage recovery crew confirmed the absence of fuel. When electrical power was applied, the fuel gauge read "0" and the "Low Fuel" annunciator light illuminated.
Engine Inspection
Pratt and Whitney Canada disassembled and inspected the engine under FAA oversight. No mechanical anomalies were found that would be causal to the engine losing power.
Pilot's Subsequent Statement
The pilot later submitted an additional statement in which he wrote, "Fuel starvation (sic) was the cause of the accident." He also listed actions he should have taken before takeoff, including determining the engine fuel burn, knowing the aircraft fuel capacity, and dip-sticking the wing tanks.