Incident Details
An instructor reported that after approximately one hour of flight practicing primary maneuvers, the aircraft returned to the airport for touch-and-go traffic pattern operations. On the takeoff roll of the third touch-and-go, the engine lost power at about 200 feet above ground level. The instructor determined that insufficient runway remained to land and initiated a glide toward a dry marshy area beyond the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and nosed over into the marsh.
Fuel and Engine Examination
Post-incident inspection revealed approximately 15 gallons of fuel distributed evenly between the two fuel tanks. A visual examination of the engine found no unusual conditions. An attempt to start the engine for a ground test run was unsuccessful. The carburetor was then removed, disassembled, and found to contain about 60 percent water, dirt, and other unidentifiable contaminants. After cleaning, the carburetor was reassembled and reinstalled on the engine. When tested, the engine started on the first attempt, ran smoothly, and accelerated through full RPM without hesitation.