Preflight Inspection
During the preflight inspection, the pilot checked fuel samples from the wing sump drains and the fuel strainer. She stated that no water was visible in any of the samples.
Flight and Engine Failure
After approximately 55 minutes of flight, while on final approach, the engine stopped. The pilot executed a forced landing in a wooded area.
Postcrash Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the aircraft's fuel system found that the fuel strainer and carburetor bowl were full of water. The engine operated normally after the water was removed from the system.
Fuel System and Weather Conditions
The right fuel cap was found to be leaking. The fueling source was tested and found free of water; other aircraft refueled from the same source did not have water in their fuel. The accident aircraft had been refueled 5 days before the accident and did not fly until the accident flight. During that period, the aircraft sat on the ramp. It rained on several of those days.
Recent Maintenance
The aircraft had received a 100-hour inspection 17 days and 21 flight hours before the accident.