Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the airplane was out of annual inspection and had been in storage with the wings removed for an unknown period. The pilot reassembled the aircraft and applied for a ferry permit to relocate it for further maintenance. A ferry permit was issued.
Pre-Flight Actions
The pilot fueled the airplane with 35 gallons in the left wing and no fuel in the right wing. No other fueling details were provided.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff initial climb, the engine lost power. The pilot switched the fuel boost pump to the high position, and the engine ran momentarily before losing power again. A forced landing was executed, during which the airplane collided with trees and came to rest in a pond.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane after it was recovered from the pond but was unable to determine the reason for the loss of engine power.