[Bob Cook]

This is a recent TRUE story.

337 owner goes for short flight with wife. Front engine quits and he returns to airport on rear engine (maybe 15 minutes after front engine dies).

He then asks mechanic to have a look. No problems found on inspection. Shortly thereafter, mechanic does fuel inspection and finds a "ton" of water in the fuel (can't confirm how much but a lot based on mechanics comments). Perhaps more than a pint!

Mechanic asked owner if he checked fuel and owner said "yes". The pilot's proceedure; "I Pulled the little knob inside and watched the fuel squirt out on the ground for a few seconds". This was the extent of his fuel check.

The aircraft sits outside on a tiedown (hmmm). The fuel caps were the older type with rather poor seals. This is a post -73 normally aspirated aircraft in "good condition".

Apparently the wife has lost some confidence in the AC after the engine quit. This bothered her (quote from mechanic).

Two new fuel caps cured this problem.

Skymasters seem to keep flying despite their owners <G>.

There appears to be a number of pilots are fighting to be the top Darwin Award winner or perhaps the runner up.

bob