Accident Details
On June 23, 2014, at approximately 1200 Pacific daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B airplane, registration N61150, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during an off-airport landing. The aircraft had experienced a loss of engine power. The flight was operated by Farm Air Flying Service Inc., Sacramento, California, as a visual flight rules (VFR) agricultural aerial application flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The solo pilot received minor injuries. The airplane had departed from a private company airstrip, and company flight following procedures were in effect.
Sequence of Events
According to a company representative speaking with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 24, the pilot reported that the engine lost power while maneuvering at a low altitude during a crop spraying operation. The pilot glided the airplane for landing into a rice field that was submerged under about 10 inches of water with a soft bottom. During the landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane came to an abrupt stop and nosed over. The operator stated they would not elaborate further prior to speaking directly with the pilot.
In a written statement dated September 16, provided by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that he was returning to base at about 300 feet above ground level when the engine suddenly lost all power. He attempted to glide to a farm road but was unable to reach it, so he landed in a flooded field.
Investigation
No mechanical anomalies were reported prior to the loss of engine power. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Following the initial contact with the NTSB IIC, the operator did not return phone calls or emails and did not submit the required NTSB 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report form. No aircraft logbooks were presented for examination, and the operator did not make the airplane available for inspection.