What happened
The airplane lost engine power shortly after initiating takeoff. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and executed a forced landing on adjacent swampy terrain. During the landing sequence, the aircraft nosed over upon impact with the ground.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed significant water contamination within the fuel system. Specifically, water was found in both the fuel strainer and the carburetor. To verify the mechanical integrity of the engine, the water was removed from the system. Following this maintenance action, the engine started immediately without difficulty.
Findings
A run-up test conducted after the repair showed that the engine developed normal power output. No other mechanical problems were noted during the inspection or testing phases. The presence of water in the fuel components directly caused the loss of power. Water contamination was identified as the primary factor leading to the engine failure.
Safety message
Regular inspection and drainage of fuel strainers are critical to preventing water accumulation in the fuel system, which can lead to sudden engine power loss.