Engine Failure After Takeoff
An aircraft crashed following a loss of engine power after takeoff. The airplane had not been flown for several months prior to the flight. An instructor was invited on the extended cross-country flight to assist the pilot, who also had not flown for some time.
Preflight Fuel Issues
During the preflight inspection, a considerable amount of water was drained from the left fuel tank. A mechanic, who had recently completed an annual inspection on the aircraft, was called over to help drain the water. The mechanic drained 15 gallons of fuel before the fuel was free of water. Additionally, the left fuel tank cap was found to need a new seal; the cap was temporarily taped until a replacement seal could be obtained.
Takeoff and Engine Power Loss
The aircraft required a jump-start to begin the engine. After starting, the crew decided to use the full 6000 feet of runway 22 for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the engine began to cut out when the aircraft reached an altitude of 100 to 200 feet. The engine regained power momentarily and then stopped.
Crash and Submersion
The aircraft turned left, landed on a sloping field, and careened down into a creek bed. It came to rest on its side, half submerged in the water. Two occupants were ejected from the aircraft during the accident sequence. One of the two ejected occupants drowned in the creek.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the engine lost power after takeoff, leading to the crash. No further details regarding the cause of the power loss were provided.