Accident Description
The accident occurred during takeoff. After reaching approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine ceased operation. The aircraft then executed a steep left turn and descended straight into the ground. The aircraft had nearly completed a 180-degree turn, apparently attempting to align with State Road 419, which runs parallel to the departure runway about 600 feet to the south.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the engine stopped, followed by the aircraft making a steep left turn before diving directly to the ground.
Fuel and Maintenance
The aircraft was refueled immediately prior to the flight. No other aircraft reported issues with fuel from the same source. The post-crash powerplant examination did not identify any mechanical problems.
Spark Plug and Carburetor Findings
Inspection of the spark plugs revealed a substantial amount of water around the center electrodes. Additionally, moisture was present in the carburetor bowl. The fire department had sprayed large quantities of water on the wreckage to control the intense post-crash fire, so the source of the water could not be definitively determined.