Departure and Initial Climb
The airplane departed from the airport. During the initial climb to about 200 feet above ground level, the engine started sputtering. The airplane turned to the right while maintaining a climb attitude. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power.
Stall and Descent
Following the total power loss, the airplane stalled and descended towards the ground out of control. The airplane impacted a wooded area and came to rest about half a mile west of the runway, approximately abeam the departure end.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the gascolator bowl, engine-driven fuel pump, and carburetor bowl were contaminated with water. Additional examination of the engine and its related components did not reveal any anomalies.
Weather Information
A local firefighter reported that the airport had received about 8 to 10 inches of rain during the two days before the accident.