Primary finding
Probable cause
the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he was flying 'low' looking at a crop duster strip. When he advanced the throttle to climb, the airplane's engine 'stopped producing power.' The pilot reported that because of low altitude and the distance from the duster strip, he elected to land the airplane in a rice field. Upon impact with the ground, the 'landing gear collapsed and the plane cart-wheeled' before coming to rest approximately 20 yards from the approach end of the duster strip.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 29, 1996, at 1900 central daylight time, a Hardie Kit Fox XL, N42JH, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Monticello, Arkansas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that originated from Monticello Municipal Airport approximately 15 minutes before the accident. A flight plan was not filed. According to the pilot, he was flying "low" looking at a crop duster strip. When he advanced the throttle to climb, the airplane's engine "stopped producing power." The pilot reported that because of low altitude and the distance from the duster strip, he elected to land the airplane in a rice field. Upon impact with the ground, the "landing gear collapsed and the plane cart-wheeled" before coming to rest approximately 20 yards from the approach end of the duster strip. -