Accident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot and two passengers departed from a remote airport on an air taxi flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot climbed the airplane to approximately 1,000 feet mean sea level (msl) when the engine began to run rough. Emergency engine procedures were attempted but did not resolve the roughness.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane began losing altitude, the pilot identified a suitable forced landing area in a slough. During the landing, the airplane collided with trees, resulting in damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Post-Accident Findings
A sample of fuel taken from the left reservoir tank was observed to be murky and silty, and contained a small amount of water. Laboratory analysis of the fuel sample confirmed that the fuel met the standards for aviation fuel. However, the contamination in the sample consisted of silt and dust, microscopic fibers, and paint chips.
After recovery, examination of the engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunction. Subsequent testing on a test stand demonstrated that the engine produced full power.