What happened
During flight operations, the pilot reported hearing a loud bang followed by an immediate loss of engine power. In response to the emergency, the pilot transmitted a mayday call and initiated an emergency landing procedure on rolling tundra terrain. The impact forces caused significant structural damage during the landing sequence. Specifically, both the nose gear and the left main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown. Additionally, the aircraft's wing and propeller sustained damage from the crash.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airframe and propulsion system was conducted to determine the root cause of the mechanical failure. Inspectors focused on the fuel delivery system components. The inspection revealed that the housing for the engine-driven fuel pump had failed structurally. This failure compromised the fuel supply necessary for continued engine operation.
Findings
The investigation identified several key factors contributing to the accident sequence. The primary mechanical issue was the failure of the engine-driven fuel pump housing. This component failure directly led to the sudden loss of power during flight. Furthermore, the pilot did not recall operating the electric fuel pump at the time the engine lost power. The lack of backup fuel pressure likely prevented any potential recovery or continued flight after the initial mechanical failure.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that failures in critical fuel system components can occur without warning. It is essential to verify the operation of backup systems, such as electric fuel pumps, immediately upon experiencing engine anomalies. Proper emergency procedures and awareness of backup fuel sources are vital for managing in-flight power loss scenarios.