Introduction
A pilot planned to ferry an airplane from a private airstrip to a maintenance facility. The aircraft had not undergone an annual inspection since 1988 and had not been flown since 1989. The pilot did not obtain a ferry permit for the flight.
Preflight Actions
Prior to departure, the pilot drained water from the fuel tanks, then added several gallons of fuel to each tank. He sloshed the fuel in each tank, drained them again, and finally added full fuel to each tank. The pilot performed two separate engine run-ups; no engine problems were encountered during these tests.
Flight and Accident
The pilot departed the airstrip heading east and climbed to an altitude between 120 and 200 feet above ground level. The engine suddenly quit running. The pilot selected an emergency landing area near a road. During the approach, the airplane collided with a power line and several trees. The impact tore the right wing from the fuselage.
Post-Accident Findings
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft and found a small amount of water in the left wing fuel drain, the header tank drain, and the gascolator drain.