What happened
The flight was intended as a currency exercise for the pilot, who noted that the aircraft had remained unused for more than eight months. Approximately ten to fifteen minutes into the flight, the engine ceased operation. The pilot executed a hard landing on Lake St. Clair, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
During post-accident interviews, the pilot acknowledged the likely cause of the failure. He stated that he was certain water had entered the fuel system and admitted that, given the opportunity, he would have drained the tanks completely before flying.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was fuel contamination. The extended period of inactivity allowed moisture to accumulate in the fuel system, which subsequently caused the engine to stop. The pilot's admission confirms that water in the fuel was the direct cause of the power loss.