Accident Details
The airplane had been inactive for two months prior to the incident, which occurred during its first flight of the day. The aircraft was last refueled at Minute Man Airport in November. No witnesses observed the preflight inspection.
Two other pilots witnessed the departure from Runway 3. As the airplane climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground, the engine sounds became intermittent. The witnesses reported black smoke coming from the aircraft's exhaust during the climb.
A second witness, who observed the crash, stated that the pilot attempted to make a left turn, but the airplane fell to the ground in a near-vertical position.
Inspection Findings
Examination of the fuel system revealed that approximately one quarter of the fuel contents in the fuel control valve was water. Both fuel caps were secured to their respective tanks, and when sprayed with water, no leakage past the caps into the tanks was noted.
Examination of the engine did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.