Event Description
According to the pilot, after refueling with auto gas at a private airstrip, water was found in the fuel being drained from the sumps. The pilot stated that after rocking the aircraft several times and noting no further water accumulation in the fuel samples, a takeoff and departure were decided upon. The takeoff was normal, but during power reduction on initial climb, the engine lost power. An immediate return to the airport was attempted.
The aircraft arrived high and fast over the runway threshold when the pilot failed to deploy the flaps. After floating almost the full length of the runway, the aircraft touched down 200 feet from the departure end. It bounced several times before running out of runway, collapsing the nose gear when coming to rest on an airport perimeter fence.
Preflight Actions
The pilot reported discovering water in the fuel after refueling. The pilot then rocked the aircraft and took fuel samples, which showed no further water accumulation. Based on this, the pilot proceeded with the takeoff.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft's logbooks revealed that Airworthiness Directive (AD) notes 83-13-01 and 84-10-01, pertaining to water contamination of the fuel system, were not complied with.