Background
The aircraft had not been flown for two months and had not been refueled in five months prior to the flight. During that period, it was exposed to unusually heavy amounts of rainfall. An annual inspection had been completed on January 12, 1982, and 77 hours had been flown since that time.
Maintenance
On March 17, 1983, the aircraft was taxied from its tie-down to a maintenance facility for another annual inspection. On the day of the accident, it had not been returned to service because the facility had found water in the fuel filter and carburetor and had planned to troubleshoot the fuel system. The owner assumed that the annual inspection was complete because he had received an invoice for the service.
Preflight
During a preflight inspection, the owner drained the sumps. Some water was found, but the sumps were drained until only fuel flowed.
Accident
During takeoff, the engine lost power at approximately 200 feet above ground level and would not restart. The aircraft collided with trees and crashed during a forced landing.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, water was found in the carburetor, fuel selector, strainer, and left fuel tank. Additionally, the O-rings in the fuel caps were worn.