Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a loss of engine power while en route at 2,000 feet above ground level during the second leg of a flight. The pilot stated that the preflight inspection had included draining the main fuel sump, but he did not recall draining the individual fuel drains of the main fuel tanks. The first leg of the trip was completed without incident.
Emergency Response
When the engine lost power, the pilot attempted to restart it using the emergency procedures outlined in the aircraft’s checklist. These attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot then searched for a suitable landing area but found none, leading him to elect to land in trees. During the landing, the airplane impacted trees and came to rest in the front yard of a residential area.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed the presence of water in the fuel selector and carburetor filter screen. Following the discovery, the engine was test run and operated satisfactorily, indicating that the water contamination was the likely cause of the power loss. The pilot’s failure to drain the individual fuel tank drains during the preflight inspection may have allowed water to accumulate in the fuel system.