History of the Flight
The pilot, holding a JAR Private Pilot's Licence with 266 hours total experience (220 on type), had experienced rough engine running shortly after takeoff on a previous flight and returned to the airfield. After conducting four engine ground runs without finding any issues, the pilot asked his passenger to wait while he flew a solo circuit to verify the aircraft's condition. On 12 November 2005 at 1020 UTC, using Runway 25 (550 m asphalt followed by 250 m grass), the aircraft took off. At approximately 30 ft, the engine ran roughly again and lost power. The pilot elected to land straight ahead and attempted to cushion the landing by applying power, but the engine did not respond. The landing was heavy, and the engine then picked up because the pilot had not retarded the throttle lever. This caused some deceleration time loss as he moved his hand from the brake lever to close the throttle. The aircraft veered off the left side of the runway and collided with a dry stone wall at a 45º angle. The pilot was uninjured and exited normally.
Examination of the Aircraft
Several weeks later, due to insurance and salvage delays, the aircraft owners conducted a comprehensive investigation. The fuel tank was emptied by disconnecting fuel lines upstream of the carburettors and operating the electric fuel pump, which was found serviceable. Small quantities of water were found in the carburettor bowls. A Rotax agent inspected the engine and reported considerable quantities of water in the undamaged engine-driven fuel pump and associated fuel lines. Internal corrosion in the pump and carburettors indicated water had been present for some time, with no possibility of post-accident entry. The Europa's fuel tank is saddle-shaped, located in the lower fuselage aft of the seats, with left and right lobes. Fuel off-take is from the front of the left lobe via a three-way selector valve using the electric pump; the right lobe serves as a reserve. In the parked attitude, water would gravitate to the rear of the tank, but as the tail rises during takeoff, water could move toward the front and into the fuel outlet. The aircraft had two fuel drains on the fuselage underside designed to drain from the lowest points (rear of lobes). The pilot stated he operated the drains for a few seconds but did not drain fuel into a transparent container to check for water.
Additional Information
The aircraft was usually parked outside but fitted with a cockpit cover that also covered the fuel filler cap, whose seal was reported in good condition. The engine ran on motor fuel, refuelled from steel jerry cans kept in the pilot's car. The pilot was at a loss to explain how water entered the system. The aircraft, a Europa built in 2005, was damaged beyond economic repair. The electric fuel pump had been modified per Europa Service Bulletin No 4 (November 1999).