Incident Summary
During the takeoff climb, the engine failed at an altitude of approximately 250 feet. The pilot executed a straight-ahead landing in an open field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft nosed over. Subsequent examination revealed water contamination in the fuel system.
Aircraft and Fuel System Details
The aircraft was equipped with bladder-type fuel tanks installed within the wing cells. No wing tank drains were installed on the aircraft. The fuel tanks had been left at half-full capacity for a period of six weeks prior to the accident. During that time, the aircraft was parked outdoors. Torrential rains had fallen in the area two weeks before the accident.
Examination Findings
An examination of the wing cells disclosed ridges and ripples in the bladder tanks. Water was present in the fuel. The absence of wing tank drains, combined with the extended outdoor storage and recent heavy rainfall, allowed moisture to accumulate in the fuel system.