Accident Overview
The pilot of a recently purchased aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had insufficient altitude to return to the airport, forcing the pilot to execute an off-airport landing in a rock quarry. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing.
Pre-Accident Actions
The pilot reported that the aircraft had recently been acquired and was being prepared for a ferry flight to a maintenance facility at another airport. The pilot drained and refilled the fuel system multiple times, believing that all water had been removed. After performing a high-speed taxi test, the pilot decided to attempt one traffic pattern circuit. The airport manager noted that the aircraft had been parked on the airport for six years and, to the manager's knowledge, had not flown during that period.
Fuel System Considerations
When purchasing 15 gallons of aviation gasoline in metal cans, the pilot told fuel facility staff that he had drained a significant amount of water from the fuel tanks and was still finding water. No records have been found of any annual inspection or other maintenance by aircraft mechanics on the aircraft since 1991. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had not issued a ferry permit for the aircraft.
Outcome
The aircraft was not damaged by the engine failure itself but incurred damage from the subsequent landing in the quarry. The pilot's actions in draining the fuel system were part of the preflight preparations, but the engine quit completely after takeoff, suggesting residual water may have been present in the fuel system.