Event Description
During the takeoff roll, the engine was reported to be sputtering. Despite this, the pilot continued the takeoff and declared an emergency after liftoff. As the aircraft turned to a downwind position at a low altitude with the engine still sputtering, it struck a tree and a building, at which time a fire erupted.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the aircraft after the crash revealed that both fuel caps had deteriorated seals, with evidence of water having leaked into the filler necks. The fuel strainer and fuel flow divider showed evidence of corrosion damage. Water was found in a fuel line from the left reservoir tank to the fuel selector valve.
Preceding Events
The aircraft had experienced an emergency three days before this accident when engine power was lost after takeoff. Substantial amounts of water were drained from the aircraft after that incident. Aircraft records indicated that the aircraft had flown only 2 hours in the previous 8 months. Three days prior to the accident, the aircraft was found to have only one-quarter full fuel tanks and was topped off at that time. Additionally, the aircraft had not had an annual inspection for two years.