What happened
On June 7, 2014, an Air Tractor Inc. AT-802A, registration N802PR, experienced a total loss of engine power while returning from an aerial application mission near Oneida, Arkansas. The aircraft was being operated by 4R Aviation, LLC, for agricultural purposes.
Prior to the flight, the aircraft was loaded with urea fertilizer and an undetermined amount of fuel at a remote airstrip. The pilot noted that the left fuel gauge indicated between empty and 1/4 full, while the right fuel gauge indicated slightly more than 1/4 full. After performing several fertilizer application passes over a rice field, the engine experienced momentary power loss at the beginning and end of the final pass. After dumping the remaining fertilizer over a nearby corn field, the pilot attempted to return to the airstrip.
Approximately 0.5 to 0.75 miles from the airstrip, the engine lost all power. Although the pilot activated the fuel boost pump, the engine failed to regain power. Due to insufficient altitude and airspeed to reach the airstrip, the pilot executed a forced landing in a wheat field. The aircraft made a three-point landing but rolled into a muddy section of the field, causing the airplane to nose over. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Investigators found that approximately 1.5 gallons of fuel remained in the aircraft during post-accident recovery. There was no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site.