Accident Details
The accident occurred during the initial climb from Runway 35. At an altitude of approximately 150 to 200 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing on a field west of the runway. According to the pilot, the main landing gear first contacted the ground about 150 feet from the western tree line. Braking on the wet grass proved ineffective, and within seconds the airplane impacted the tree line. The engine was displaced and the left wing sustained damage.
Maintenance History
The airplane had undergone its annual inspection on November 15, 1994, during which both fuel caps and cap adapters were replaced. While the maintenance was being performed, the airplane was parked outside the hangar when work was not being done, with the fuel caps and cap adapters not installed. The first flight after this inspection occurred on the day of the accident.
Preflight and Post-Accident Examination
During the preflight inspection for the accident flight, the pilot found water in four fuel samples taken from the fuel strainer. On the fifth, sixth, and seventh samples, no water was evident. Following the accident, an FAA inspector examined the airplane and engine. Approximately 4 ounces of water was drained from the carburetor bowl and gascolator.