Cessna 152
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 180; Flight Crew Type 180
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors
Approaching 300 feet AGL after takeoff I experienced engine roughness and a significant loss of power. I decided to abort the departure and return to land. I radioed to tower what I was experiencing; and tower radioed back to me 'cleared to land'. I maintained aircraft control; landed safely and taxied onto taxiway where the engine stalled completely. The aircraft was towed to [FBO].The cause of the engine loss of power in the air and eventual failure on the ground was a result of water contamination in the fuel. I did not check the fuel sumps and in doing so I failed to properly preflight the aircraft which led to the event.As required by my flight instructor I will receive remedial training in preflight procedures; federal aviation regulations; aircraft systems; and safe aircraft operations.
C152 pilot reported loss of engine power after takeoff that was later traced to his failure to drain water from the fuel system.