What happened
The owner reported that the aircraft was stolen on April 25, 1987. The individual operating the plane admitted to taking it without permission. During the flight, the engine lost power, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing in the Everglades, approximately nine miles west of Tamiami Airport. He claimed the power loss resulted from contaminated fuel.
The investigation
Investigators drained approximately one quart of water from the fuel system. The aircraft had not been flown for over a year and lacked current airworthiness or registration certificates aboard. When interviewed, the pilot appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, though he stated he had been drinking between the time of the accident and the interview.
Findings
The operation involved an unauthorized flight by a non-certified pilot. The engine failure was caused by water contamination in the fuel system. The aircraft was not airworthy due to lapsed documentation.