What happened
During the initial phase of flight following takeoff, the airplane encountered a partial loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to return to the departure airport but was unable to maintain sufficient altitude, resulting in a forced landing.
The investigation
Following the incident, the aircraft was examined for mechanical issues. Inspectors found that both the carburetor and the propeller had sustained damage. These components were subsequently replaced with new parts. Post-replacement testing confirmed that the engine operated properly on the right magneto, the left magneto, and with both magnetos selected.
Findings
During the routine process of draining the fuel tanks after the incident, traces of water were discovered within the fuel system. This contamination likely contributed to the engine performance issues observed during flight.