Preflight and Fueling
During preflight, the pilot found the left wing fuel cap missing. He drained all three fuel sumps, rocked the wings, and drained the sumps again. The engine started without any problem, and he taxied to the fuel pump to refuel. After refueling, he drained the fuel sumps once more.
In-Flight Engine Issues
During the flight, the engine began to lose and then regain power. The pilot decided to return to the departure airport. While en route, the engine lost power completely. The pilot executed a forced landing and collided with trees in a wooded area short of the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed water in the fuel. The engine was started several times, and each time it quit. After each engine failure, water was found in the carburetor bowl. Once the water was depleted from the fuel system, the engine ran with no anomalies noted.
Weather and Prior Operations
The pilot stated that the airplane was last flown about 7 days prior to the accident. In those 7 days, there was precipitation in the area. The night prior to the accident, temperatures were below freezing.