What happened
The aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power while climbing out during the initial phase of takeoff. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed an emergency forced landing in an adjacent field. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a ditch, resulting in substantial structural damage. The impact caused the right wing and the right main landing gear assembly to separate completely from the airframe.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed significant evidence regarding the cause of the power failure. Inspectors found that the left fuel tank was entirely empty. Furthermore, no fuel was detected in the lines leading to the engine, indicating a complete interruption of the fuel supply during the critical climb phase.
Findings
Analysis of the fuel strainer provided the definitive explanation for the event. A total of eight ounces of fluid were drained from the strainer. This fluid consisted of two ounces of usable fuel and six ounces of water. The presence of this water volume indicates severe fuel contamination, which likely caused the engine to flame out due to lack of combustible mixture.