Incident Overview
An aircraft was forced to land off-airport after the engine lost power during a cross-country flight. According to the pilot, approximately 10 minutes into the flight at 4,000 feet MSL, fuel pressure dropped and engine power was lost. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks, checking circuit breakers, magnetos, and activating the high boost fuel pump, but the engine did not restart.
Descent and Collision
Subsequently, the pilot executed a descent through an overcast cloud layer, breaking out of the clouds at 500 feet AGL. The aircraft then collided with several trees and a concrete block before coming to rest in deep brush.
Post-Accident Examination
An engine teardown was conducted, revealing multiple issues. The boost pumps were found inoperative. The main fuel line was loose at the firewall connection. The fuel screen contained some debris. Additionally, the throttle control assembly was leaking past the shaft O-ring into the intake area.
Conclusion
The aircraft collided with trees and dense brush during an off-airport forced landing conducted in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The engine failure and subsequent forced landing were associated with fuel system discrepancies found during the teardown.