What happened
During the climb phase of flight, the pilot noticed that the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) began to decrease unexpectedly. The aircraft became unable to maintain its altitude despite attempts to manage the situation. Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing.
The investigation
Following the incident, an examination of the aircraft revealed a significant mechanical obstruction within the fuel system. A bogus fuel filter was discovered located between the fuel control unit and the fuel injector. This component was found to be clogged with debris, which prevented proper fuel flow.
Testing confirmed that the engine would not run while this obstructed filter remained in place. However, once the filter was removed, the engine operated normally, indicating that the mechanical failure was directly caused by the blockage rather than an internal engine malfunction.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the presence of a bogus fuel filter clogged with debris. This obstruction restricted fuel delivery to the engine, leading to a loss of power during climb and necessitating the forced landing.