Accident Overview
On the morning of March 22, 1985, a pilot arrived at Leesburg Municipal Airport to retrieve an aircraft that had been painted. The aircraft had been ferried to the airport approximately four weeks earlier for the paint job. During takeoff, at about 300 feet above ground level, both engines lost power. The pilot attempted to turn back to the airport.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses reported seeing the aircraft in a nose-high attitude while turning. The aircraft then entered a spin and crashed into trees. Examination of the crash site indicated that the aircraft was in a steep descent at the time of impact.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed water in the front and rear gascolators, as well as in the fuel injection manifold valves. Both outboard scupper drains were clogged with dirt. Additionally, both fuel caps were found to be defective and would allow water to leak into the fuel tanks.