On May 28, 1983, a Cessna 310 (registration N8KD) was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain airspeed after a left engine failure caused by water contamination in the fuel system, which resulted in an off-airport landing and collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost power in the left engine shortly after takeoff due to water contamination. The aircraft struck trees while attempting an emergency landing in a field.
What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after retracting the landing gear, the left engine appeared to quit. Unable to maintain flying speed, he elected to land in an open field but was unable to clear a row of trees. The aircraft impacted the ground after striking the trees.
The investigation
Inspection of the left engine revealed water in the gascolator and in both sides of the field injector diaphragm.
Findings
The presence of water in the fuel system components indicates that fuel contamination was the primary factor leading to the loss of power. This mechanical failure occurred during the critical phase of flight immediately following takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain airspeed after a left engine failure caused by water contamination in the fuel system, which resulted in an off-airport landing and collision with trees.