Incident Summary
After takeoff, at approximately 300 feet altitude, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn toward the runway but could not reach it due to low altitude. He chose to land in a field about half a mile from the runway.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated the airplane had not been flown in nearly three weeks. He drained water from both left and right wing fuel tank sump ports. He then fueled the airplane with about 29 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation fuel and subsequently drained a total of one gallon of fuel from both wing tanks, noting no indication of water in the fuel.
Findings After Landing
The individual who recovered the airplane from the field reported that when uprighting the engine, a noticeable amount of water poured out of the carburetor. An Airframe and Powerplant mechanic told an FAA inspector that when the carburetor bowl drain plug was removed, only water came out, with no fuel present.
Environmental Conditions
No water was used at the accident scene at the time of the incident. Weather reports indicated no rain fell in the area between the accident and the time the airplane was removed from the field.