What happened
The flight encountered a critical mechanical failure shortly after departure. The pilot reported that he had performed pre-flight checks, including draining the fuel sumps prior to takeoff, during which he removed a small amount of water from the system. Despite these precautions, the airplane lost engine power while airborne.
Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in the only available field nearby. The impact was severe enough to cause the aircraft to flip over upon touchdown. Post-accident examination revealed significant contamination within the fuel system.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel system components following the accident. They found evidence of water intrusion in multiple critical areas, including the fuel tank, fuel lines, carburetor, and acceleration pump. This contamination was identified as the primary factor leading to the loss of engine power.