Accident Narrative
On July 3, 2020, at approximately 0830 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602 airplane, registration N8506E, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Des Arc, Arkansas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application operation.
According to the pilot, after completing the aerial application task, he proceeded to survey another field. While making the second turn over that field, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot identified an alternate field for a forced landing and executed a slip maneuver to avoid overrunning the field. However, as the airplane approached the ground, insufficient airspeed remained to return the aircraft to a wings-level attitude. The airplane touched down while still in a slip, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.
Postaccident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Fuel was present in the fuel tanks. The engine's fuel control unit, fuel pump, and oil-to-fuel heater were sent to the engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney Canada, for inspection and bench testing. No anomalies capable of causing or contributing to a loss of engine power were detected.