Event Summary
An airline transport pilot, accompanied by one passenger, initiated a departure for an airport approximately 5 miles away. During the takeoff run, the engine surged, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff and return to the departure point on the runway. The pilot then performed an engine power check, which appeared satisfactory, and proceeded with a second takeoff without rechecking the fuel system for contamination.
After the second takeoff, the airplane climbed to about 300 feet above mean sea level when the engine RPM suddenly dropped to idle. Emergency procedures were attempted but did not restore engine power. The airplane subsequently collided with trees during an off-airport landing, sustaining impact damage to both wing fuel tanks. The airplane came to rest inverted.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported draining every fuel sump on the airplane at the beginning of the day and again before departing to pick up the passenger. No further fuel system checks were conducted between the aborted and second takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
Following retrieval of the airplane, an FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft. The inspection revealed approximately half a cup of water in the fuel system. Additionally, one wing sump drain was partially blocked by silt. When the engine was tested with clean fuel, it started and ran at idle. Later, the engine produced full power on an engine test stand.
Findings
The presence of water in the fuel system and a partially blocked sump drain were identified. The engine's ability to run normally on clean fuel indicated that the power loss was consistent with fuel contamination.