Incident Overview
The day before the accident, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power during takeoff and made a successful forced landing on the runway. It had been refueled at the fixed-base operator (FBO) just before the power loss. Two mechanics examined the aircraft, test flew it, and it remained at the airport overnight.
Pre-Accident Actions
The following day, a pilot arrived to return the airplane to Eglin Air Force Base. He took fuel samples from the main sump and found approximately two inches of water and sediment at the bottom. He drained the right tank and found approximately one inch of water and sediment along with a quarter inch of fuel. After several more samples, he found the fuel to be clean. The pilot decided to test the airplane by flying in the traffic pattern before departing. He performed an engine run-up, which was normal.
Accident Sequence
The pilot flew twice around the airport traffic pattern. During takeoff, at an altitude of about 200 to 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost complete power. The pilot elected to land in a small field south of the airport. The airplane struck trees, nosed over, and came to rest upside down.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident test-run of the engine showed it operated normally above 1500 RPM to 2200 RPM but would not idle below 1500 RPM. The carburetor was removed and examined. The examination revealed water in the bowl and dirt inside the carburetor.
Fuel Sampling Details
Initial fuel samples from the main sump showed water and sediment. After draining the right tank, the pilot found a similar mixture. Subsequent samples were clean, leading the pilot to proceed with the test flight.