On July 18, 1996, about 0600 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N731YT, collided with ground obstructions while making a forced landing in a railroad right of way near Merced, California. The forced landing was precipitated by a total loss of power as the aircraft was returning from an aerial application flight. The aircraft was owned and operated by James Aero Ag of Chowchilla, California, and was operated under 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from the operator's private agricultural airstrip near Chowchilla on the morning of the accident about 0520. The pilot reported to FAA inspectors that he was returning to his base from spraying sulfur on crop fields near Merced when the engine suddenly quit. The pilot set up for a landing on a highway, but discontinued the approach when he observed there were many vehicles on the road. The pilot landed in a railroad right of way and collided with fence and sign posts during the ground roll. FAA inspectors examined the aircraft. No fuel was found in the aircraft tanks, which were determined to be intact. Only minor traces of fuel were found in the lines and distributor manifold.