Background
The aircraft was preflighted approximately 20 minutes after refueling, and no discrepancies were noted. The pilot reported difficulty starting the engine. Mechanics flushed the aircraft's fuel lines and subsequently declared the aircraft airworthy. During the preflight, no water was found in the fuel sumps or strainer.
Incident
After the engine was successfully started, the aircraft departed on its flight. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the engine ceased operating. The pilot made unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine. As the flight was being conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the pilot requested vectors from air traffic control for an emergency landing. The aircraft was vectored toward Interstate 95. The aircraft broke out of the overcast at 1,000 feet above ground level. While the pilot was attempting to land on the highway, the aircraft struck trees. It then slid into a fence before coming to a stop.
Post-Accident Investigation
During the post-accident inspection, the engine operated normally when connected to an external fuel source. Analysis of the fuel from the aircraft revealed that it contained 0.010 percent water.