The aircraft was engaged in spreading fertiliser over a cotton crop, during which it was refueled to "almost full" with MOGAS from a bulk tank. More flights were made until, after flying for about 110 minutes, the engine lost power shortly after take off, at a height of about 100 feet. The loss of power was accompanied by a loss of fuel pressure. Attempts to restore fuel pressure using the hand pump were unsuccessful and the aircraft was landed in a wooded area beyond the end of the strip end. The engine, landing gear and fuel drains were torn out during the landing. The pilot suspected the engine had suffered fuel starvation due to contamination found in the bulk tank, which had not been used for the previous three months. No fuel remained on board after the accident as a result of fuel drain damage. The fuel filters were later found to be free of any significant contamination.