Background
The aircraft had been parked on the ramp with minimal fuel for approximately one week prior to the accident flight. Just before departure, the pilot took fuel samples and found no water contamination.
Sequence of Events
The pilot taxied to the fuel pumps and added about 20 gallons of fuel to each tank. No additional fuel sample was taken after refueling. The pilot then taxied to the runway for takeoff. After becoming airborne, the engine quit at approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL).
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor was full of water. The fuel tank caps were checked and did not leak. The fuel supply at the source was tested and found to have no water contamination. Investigators noted that the tanks had been nearly empty for an extended period and that there had reportedly been a large variation in temperature the night before the accident flight, which may have contributed to condensation.
The aircraft was damaged when it was landed in a soybean field following the engine failure.