DEN08LA105

According to the pilot, he was taking off from a private airstrip with a full load of fertilizer when he "lost the number 2 cylinder." Due to the loss of engine power, during the ensuing forced landing the pilot was unable to keep the airplane from striking a levy. Both main landing gears, hopper, gate box, fertilizer spreader, and tailwheel assembly were torn off. The left wing tip was bent, and the engine mount was broken. An examination of the airplane revealed a fractured number 2 cylinder head. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No other anomalies were found.

On June 19, 2008, approximately 1100 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301A, N3166H, registered to and operated by ANF Air Service, Inc., and piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when the it struck a levy and impacted terrain following a loss of power shortly after takeoff in Garwood, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, he was taking off from a private airstrip with a full load of fertilizer when he "lost the number 2 cylinder." Due to the loss of engine power, during the ensuing forced landing the pilot was unable to keep the airplane from striking a levy. Both main landing gears, hopper, gate box, fertilizer spreader, and tailwheel assembly were torn off. The left wing tip was bent, and the engine mount was broken. An examination of the airplane revealed the broken number 2 cylinder head. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No other anomalies were found.