Primary finding
Probable cause
The water collection in the ignition harness which rendered the lower cylinder spark plugs inoperative resulting in partial power loss.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane's engine lost partial power. The pilot stated he made a 180 degree turn back towards the departure runway. The pilot stated that because of the airplane's airspeed and the tailwind, he elected to land parallel to the runway on the grass. The pilot stated that the airplane was not going to stop prior to impacting trees located at the end of the grass so he ground looped the airplane. During the ground loop, the airplane's left wing contacted the ground damaging the spar and landing gear. Post accident examination of the engine revealed that there was water in the front and rear ignition harnesses rendering the number 4, 5, 6, and 7 cylinder spark plugs inoperative.
Source record
Factual narrative
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