Accident Sequence
The aircraft was observed to depart from a pond to the south and climb over trees when the engine lost power. The aircraft then started a right bank, as if to return to the pond, and subsequently stalled into the trees.
Witness Account
One witness reported hearing the engine restart just before the crash.
Maintenance History
The last annual inspection recorded in the aircraft's logbook was on June 6, 1982.
Fuel Analysis
Analysis of a fuel sample taken from the aircraft showed that the fuel more closely resembled automotive gasoline than aviation gasoline (avgas). Additionally, the sample exhibited an existent gum content of 91.5 mg/100ml, which was described as oily in nature. The specification limit for gum content is 10 mg/100ml.