What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft was flying at an altitude of 4200 feet and was in the process of descending when the engine suddenly lost power. Unable to glide to a nearby airport, the pilot executed an emergency landing on a road. During this forced landing, the right wing struck a road sign, resulting in substantial damage to that section of the airframe.
The investigation
Following the incident, a mechanic inspected the aircraft's propulsion system. The inspection revealed a physical blockage located between the fuel selector and the engine. This obstruction prevented proper fuel flow, which explains the sudden loss of power experienced by the pilot during the descent.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the fuel blockage found in the fuel system. The inability to maintain engine power at altitude necessitated an off-airport landing, which resulted in structural damage to the aircraft. The post-landing observation that the engine could operate up to approximately 1500 RPM suggests that the blockage may have been partial or intermittent, but sufficient to cause a critical failure during the high-power demands of flight.
Safety message
Regular inspection of fuel systems is critical to identifying potential obstructions before they lead to in-flight power loss. Pilots should ensure that maintenance records reflect thorough checks of fuel lines and selectors, particularly if any irregularities in engine performance are noted.