Incident Summary
An airplane departed for a cross-country pleasure flight. During its initial climb, the engine lost power. The aircraft was observed by witnesses as it passed the departure end of the runway at an altitude between 100 and 200 feet above ground. Shortly after passing the witnesses, the engine stopped running completely.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the airplane made a 90-degree left turn, pitched down, leveled off, and then, according to one witness, "dropped into the powerlines." The aircraft subsequently collided with powerlines located in a railroad switching yard. After making contact with the lines, the airplane remained entangled and struck a telephone pole and a small building.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel system was contaminated with water. No other contributing factors were identified in the source.