Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to ensure an adequate fuel supply for the intended flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that, after he departed for the last load of the day on an aerial application flight, he realized he was low on fuel but decided to continue with the flight. Before the load was completely dispersed, the airplane ran out of fuel and the engine lost all power. During the forced landing in a flooded rice field, the airplane flipped over, resulting in substantial damage to the forward right lift strut. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.