Incident Overview
A private pilot had recently purchased an airplane but did not yet have the required high-performance logbook endorsement. The first pilot, an airline transport pilot, accompanied the private pilot to ferry the airplane to the private pilot's home airport. Before departure, both wing-mounted fuel tanks were filled to capacity. During the preflight inspection, the first pilot obtained fuel samples from the airplane's fuel sump drain ports; none of the samples contained contaminants or water.
Loss of Engine Power
The second pilot was flying the airplane. Just after takeoff, at approximately 500 feet above ground level, all engine power was lost. The first pilot took control and attempted to re-establish engine power, but those attempts were unsuccessful. He selected an open field as a forced landing site.
Emergency Landing and Damage
During the emergency landing, the airplane collided with rough and uneven terrain. The wings, fuselage, and empennage sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the accident scene on the same day. The inspector drained about 4 ounces of water from the left fuel tank and the gascolator. The gascolator contained a sandy, gritty white substance. The fuel injector screen also contained trace amounts of rusty-colored water. The engine was subsequently started and produced full power. The inspector noted that the airplane had been stored outside before the accident, and heavy rains had been reported in the area two or three days prior. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were discovered during the inspection.