What happened
During the initial climb phase of a flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power while airborne at approximately 75 feet above ground level. In response to the emergency, the pilot immediately jettisoned the aircraft's load of pesticide to reduce weight and improve performance or control characteristics. The pilot then maneuvered the aircraft to land straight ahead on the remaining portion of the runway.
Despite these efforts, the aircraft failed to stop within the available pavement. It continued past the end of the runway and impacted a drainage ditch. The collision with the ditch caused substantial damage to the airframe. There were no reports of injuries in this incident, though the aircraft was rendered unserviceable due to the extent of the structural damage.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's fuel system to determine the cause of the power loss. Samples were taken from various points in the fuel delivery path. Analysis revealed that water contamination was present in all fuel drains examined. Additionally, water was found directly inside the carburetor, indicating significant moisture intrusion into the engine's critical fuel metering components.
Findings
The investigation identified several key factors contributing to the accident sequence:
- Substantial damage to the aircraft resulting from the runway overrun and ditch impact.
- The presence of water in the carburetor, which likely caused engine flameout or severe power loss during the critical takeoff phase.
- The failure to maintain adequate clearance over obstacles due to the premature loss of thrust.
The combination of water contamination in the fuel system and the resulting engine malfunction led directly to the inability to complete the takeoff maneuver safely.