Flight Details
A functional test flight was conducted following the installation of a used engine in the aircraft. The owner and a mechanic were onboard for the flight.
Engine Failure
Shortly after takeoff, when the aircraft was approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot pumped the throttle, which caused the engine to restart briefly, but it immediately quit again and could not be restarted.
Forced Landing
The pilot attempted to return to the departure runway and land in the opposite direction. However, another aircraft was on final approach for landing, so the pilot executed a forced landing in a wooded area beside the runway.
Investigation
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the wreckage and found evidence of water contamination in the aircraft fuel system.