What happened
Shortly after departing the airport, the aircraft encountered a sudden and complete failure of engine power while climbing to an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level. Faced with this emergency situation, the pilot made the decision to execute a forced landing back onto the active runway. To minimize potential damage during the touchdown, the pilot kept the landing gear in the retracted position throughout the approach and impact.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's fuel system components. The inspection uncovered large quantities of water contamination distributed across multiple critical areas. Water was found within the fuel injectors, the gascolator, the main fuel line, and inside the right fuel tank.
Findings
The presence of substantial water in the fuel system directly contributed to the engine failure. The contamination likely disrupted fuel flow or combustion efficiency, leading to the total loss of power shortly after takeoff.