What happened
The aircraft was involved in a local flight operation where the pilot intended to practice touch-and-go landings. During the second takeoff of this sequence, the engine missed, prompting the pilot to land and perform a magneto check. After another takeoff was attempted, the engine lost approximately 400 RPM at about 150 feet above ground level before quitting completely. Two witnesses observed that the engine appeared to be running poorly prior to the final takeoff attempt.
The investigation
Post-acc examination of the engine revealed significant contamination in the fuel system. Fluid drained from both the carburetor bowl and the fuel strainer contained water, indicating a breach in fuel integrity or storage conditions that allowed moisture ingress.
Findings
The pilot stated he held a medical certificate dated January 1983. However, records from the FAA's Records Branch in Oklahoma City indicated that the most recent medical on file for the pilot was from 1973, suggesting a lapse in certification status at the time of the operation.