NTSB Factual Report

The airplane's engine lost partial power after takeoff and the pilot/owner performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane nosed over during the landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. The pilot subsequently disassembled and inspected the airplane following the accident and reported that he had found water in the fuel tank, which explained the partial loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to detect water contamination in the fuel system, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.