Incident Overview
While cruising at an altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level, the aircraft began to lose power. About two minutes later, the engine lost power completely, and the pilot was unable to restart it. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft collided with a tree.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector who responded to the site drained fuel from the tank sumps and gascolator. The fuel was found to be contaminated with water at a ratio of approximately 35 percent water to 65 percent fuel. Draining the gascolator also yielded grass and other debris. The carburetor was found to contain about 50 milliliters of water, 2 milliliters of fuel, and 8 milliliters of an unknown mold-like substance. Additionally, the inspector reported that the right fuel tank gasket did not seal.
Preflight and Fueling History
Before takeoff, the pilot had received 17 gallons of fuel. The aircraft had been tied down on the ramp for about three weeks before the flight. The fuel truck was tested and found to be within specifications. The pilot stated that he did not remember if he had drained fuel from the tank sumps or gascolator during the preflight inspection.