Tailwheel Aircraft Noses Over During Forced Landing in Waterlogged Field

Incident Overview

A tailwheel-equipped airplane, engaged in aerial application operations, experienced an engine power loss during flight. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing in a dirt field that had become waterlogged due to recent storms. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that he had taken onboard more product to disperse than initially planned, making the airplane heavy. To avoid an over-gross weight condition, he chose not to add additional fuel. He stated, "I misjudged what I believed to be a safe quantity of fuel remaining." The pilot further noted that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.