Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to a fracture of the #3 cylinder resulting in the total failure of the cylinder. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a course reversal maneuver, the agricultural airplane lost engine power and executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a dirt bank, coming to rest approximately 100 feet from the initial point of impact. Examination of the engine revealed a fracture/failure of the #3 cylinder. The airplane was destroyed by a postimpact fire.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 13, 1995, at 0840 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N15111, was destroyed during a forced landing after a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Denver City, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane, owned and operated by the pilot, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The aerial application flight departed a private agricultural airstrip at 0830 to apply pesticides to a nearby field. A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that the engine lost power during a course reversal maneuver. He further reported that he then proceeded toward a nearby landing strip, but did not have sufficient "altitude and airspeed to make it." During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane collided with a dirt bank, coming to rest approximately 100 feet from the initial point of impact. Examination of the engine revealed a fracture/failure of the #3 cylinder. A postimpact fire destroyed the airplane. -