Incident Overview
A student pilot, operating his own airplane, was en route to take a dual flying lesson when he experienced a loss of engine power. Initially, he set up for a forced landing. However, the engine regained power, and he initiated a climb. About that time, a second power loss occurred. The airplane departed controlled flight and impacted the terrain.
Investigation Findings
Subsequent examination of the airplane found a contaminated fuel system. The student's instructor stated that he had never observed the student draining sumps. Additionally, a non-rated mechanic who worked on the airplane twice when the complaint was a rough running engine did not drain the fuel sumps.
Context
The aircraft was owned and flown by the student pilot. No information regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, location, or injuries was provided in the source.