Flight Details
The airplane had not been operated for several weeks before the flight. During the preflight inspection, the pilot reported that he had sumped both fuel tanks and the gascolator. The subsequent taxi and engine run-up proceeded normally. The airplane then departed from a 2,020-foot-long, 100-foot-wide turf runway.
Engine Failure
Approximately 250 feet above the ground, the engine began to run rough and subsequently lost power. The pilot initiated a right turn to avoid obstacles, during which the engine lost all power.
Forced Landing
The pilot attempted a forced landing to a field. However, the airspeed decreased and the rate of descent increased. The airplane's nosegear impacted a down-sloping field. During the impact sequence, the left wing struck a tree, resulting in substantial damage. The airplane came to rest upright in the field.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, approximately 4 ounces of fluid was recovered from the carburetor. Of this fluid, about 3 1/2 ounces was consistent with water, while the remaining 1/2 ounce was fuel.