Incident Overview
During a preflight inspection, the pilot drained approximately half an inch of water from the fuel strainer. After continued sumping until no water was present, the pilot departed from runway 36. At 500 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot turned crosswind and reduced the throttle to 25 inches of manifold pressure, at which point the engine began to run rough. The pilot banked the airplane toward the airport, but while descending through 700 feet agl, the engine experienced a total loss of power.
Forced Landing
During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane impacted pine trees and a fence before coming to rest upright approximately half a mile north of the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the fuel system by an NTSB investigator revealed corrosion in the form of a white residue within the electric fuel pump. Corrosion was also noted around the airframe fuel strainer attach point and within the fuel control servo. Additionally, three tablespoons of water were drained from within the fuel servo.