What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the engine of the aircraft lost power. According to the pilot, just before the loss of power occurred, he had closed the fuel valve for the center fuel tank and opened the valve for the right fuel tank. Because the aircraft is not equipped with a starter motor, the pilot was unable to restart the engine before the plane collided with a parked car. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
A postaccident inspection of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies present prior to the accident. However, investigators found that the airplane lacked the required quick drain valve in the center fuel tank. This valve was mandated by an FAA airworthiness directive and a supplemental type certificate related to the installation of wing-mounted fuel tanks to ensure water or other contaminants could be removed from the center tank.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had attempted to drain a small amount of water from the center tank using the fuel line gascolator. An investigation involving the NTSB IIC, an FAA inspector, and the pilot determined that approximately two cups of undrainable fluid remain in the center fuel tank when using the gascolator method. Additionally, the center tank cap was missing its seal or 'O'-ring. The aircraft had been exposed to heavy rain during the two weeks preceding the accident.