Primary finding
Probable cause
The water in the aircraft fuel as a result of the improper preflight by the pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The aircraft had been parked outdoors, on the airport ramp, for an extended period of time. The pilot/mechanic was in the process of post maintenance operational checks of the aircraft. During a high speed run on the runway, the aircraft became airborne. The pilot decided to circle the airfield, and during the climb out the engine lost partial power. The aircraft crashed into a group of trees off the departure end of the runway. After the accident, water was detected in the aircraft fuel tanks.
Source record
Factual narrative
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