The airplane collided with trees during a forced landing at 0830 Pacific time, sustaining substantial damage. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
The pilot reported washing the airplane the day before the accident. He verified there was no water in the fuel system and checked the scat tubing for residual water. Prior to departure, the pilot conducted an engine run-up and identified no anomalies. During takeoff, the engine sputtered and the pilot pumped the throttle. The engine would not sustain power and the pilot force-landed the airplane in a nearby field.