On 22 Jul 2012, a PURTEE KEVIN M PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER operated by PURTEE KEVIN M was involved in an aviation accident near Broadhead, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately remove water-contaminated fuel during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during takeoff, and his decision to initiate a turn back to the runway with insufficient airspeed, which resulted… This summary draws on records from NTSB.
After the pilot drained water from the fuel system, the engine quit during a left turn. Postaccident examination revealed water in the fuel line downstream of the fuel valve.
Preliminary Information
According to the pilot's wife, the engine was running rough before the flight. Her husband drained a significant amount of water from the fuel drain. Believing the water had been fully removed, he departed.
Witness Account
A witness observed the airplane climb to treetop level and then enter a left turn, as if attempting to return to the airport. At that point, the engine ceased operation. The aircraft then executed a hard left turn and descended straight down, impacting the ground.
Damage and Examination
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the firewall, fuselage, and both wings. A postaccident examination of the airplane found water in the fuel line downstream of the fuel valve.