Accident Details
On an unspecified date, a repossessed aircraft was being flown for the purpose of demonstrating it to one or both of the other occupants. The aircraft had not been operated since May 20, 1982. During takeoff, the engine lost power at approximately 200 feet above ground level. The pilot executed a right turn back toward the runway, but the aircraft crashed in a wooded area beside the departure end of the runway. The impact with trees occurred while the aircraft was in a steep right bank.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, water was discovered in the left wing fuel tank, the fuel sump at the engine firewall, the electric fuel pump and attached lines, the engine-driven fuel pump, and the carburetor. The fuel selector was found positioned to the left tank.
Additionally, the attachment cable for the right inboard seat belt was found broken. Samples of the seat belt cables were tested; one of three samples failed at 1,570 pounds, while the other two samples tested to 2,126 pounds and 2,174 pounds, respectively. Corrosion was found on the weaker sample.