20001205025259A

(-23) The a/c performed a normal runup and takeoff as reported by the pilot. Shortly after takeoff the pilot reported to the dxr tower that he had an engine out. The pilot reported the engine sputtered then instantly quit. The pilot attempted to land in a soccer field in his forward direction of travel. His right wing struck the left support of a goal post causing the a/c to turn right 90 degrees as it entered a swamp with thick brush where it incurred major damage before coming to a stop approx. 75 feet later. The pilot and passengers egressed the a/c unassisted. (.4) the airplane sat on the ramp for about 2 1/2 weeks with the fuel tanks half filled. Outside air temperature had dipped to 18 degrees fahrenheit the previous night, and was still below freezing about 3 hours before the accident. Temperature at the time of the accident was 43 degrees fahrenheit. The pilot did not check the fuel for water prior to the accident flight. After a normal start, run-up, and takeoff, the engine failed at 400 to 500 feet in the air, and the pilot made a forced landing. Evidence of water was subsequently found in a container that held fuel removed from the airplane.