On September 14, 2005, a Ryan NAVION G (registration N2401T) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Geneva, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel and the pilot's inadequate preflight. A factor was the fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a loss of power during takeoff, resulting in a forced landing that damaged the aircraft. Subsequent inspection found no mechanical deficiencies, but water was found in fuel filler caps.
Accident Summary
During takeoff, the airplane lifted off the runway at 80 mph. At about 40 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot reported checking the airspeed, which indicated 60 mph, and then lowered the nose. The airplane struck a fence at the end of the runway, at which point the engine regained full power. The aircraft then crossed a street and entered a field before the pilot shut off the engine. The airplane sustained substantial damage from the impact with the fence and terrain.
Preflight and Environmental Conditions
The pilot reported that "everything looked good" for departure. The airplane had not been flown in the two weeks prior to the accident and was parked on a slight hill that sloped down and to the right. Rain had fallen the night before the accident flight. During the preflight inspection, the pilot found water in the wing's fuel filler caps. The pilot noted that because the airplane was parked on a slope, the wing fuel tanks were not level when checking for water contamination.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the airplane revealed no deficiencies that would have precluded normal engine operation.