Accident Details
On June 17, 2013, at 1440 central daylight time, a Cessna 152 airplane, registration N49108, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Dimmit County Airport (KCZT) in Carrizo Springs, Texas. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Alpha Tango Flying Service under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the positioning flight destined for San Antonio International Airport (KSAT).
The pilot reported that the flight was intended to reposition the airplane from KCZT to KSAT. After completing a preflight inspection, the airplane was fueled by the airport's fixed-base operator with 21 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation fuel. The pilot then performed another preflight inspection, which included straining the fuel and rechecking the engine oil. The engine started without hesitation, and after a few minutes of taxi, the pilot conducted a before-takeoff engine run-up with no anomalies. Takeoff was normal, but during initial climb at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and maneuvered toward a nearby dirt road for an off-airport landing. During the forced landing, the right wing collided with tree branches, and the airplane impacted terrain.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane's fuel system was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector with assistance from several aviation mechanics. The fuel selector was found in the OFF position, though the pilot stated he turned it off during the forced landing. Several fuel samples were collected by draining through the gascolator outflow line. Visual inspection revealed a significant amount of water contamination. The airport's fuel service truck was also checked for water contamination, but samples obtained after the accident showed no water present. The engine examination found no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Weather Information
The nearest aviation weather reporting station was at Cotulla-La Salle County Airport (KCOT), approximately 37 miles east of the accident site. At 1453, the automated surface observing system reported: wind 170 degrees true at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 36 degrees Celsius, dew point 22 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting 29.91 inches of mercury. A review of available rainfall data from weather stations near KCZT indicated that 5-7 inches of rain had fallen since May 20, 2013, the last time the accident airplane had flown.