Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that were not determined.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While conducting agricultural aerial seed application, the airplane’s engine began to produce white smoke and lost power. The pilot chose a field to land in and the engine subsequently lost power completely. While attempting to clear a tree line, the pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. The airplane impacted the field at the edge of the trees and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and right horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the airplane’s vintage radial engine revealed that there was oil inside the intake system and that the supercharger was seized and could not be rotated. The reason for the seizure of the supercharger was not determined.