Incident Details
Approximately 20 minutes after departure, while cruising at 6,500 feet, the engine lost power. According to reports, the engine went to either idle or a windmilling condition, and fuel pressure dropped to zero. The pilot attempted to restart the engine using emergency procedures but was unsuccessful.
Radio Communication
The pilot initially tried to contact Atlanta Approach Control (via satellite radar position) when the aircraft was about 12 nautical miles northwest of Gwinnett County Airport, but had difficulty making radio contact. After contact was established, he declared a mayday situation. Forty-seven seconds later, he was provided a vector to the airport and advised it was 7 miles ahead. Several subsequent radio calls were blocked by other aircraft using the same frequency.
Forced Landing
When the pilot realized he could not glide to the airport, he initiated a turn to land on a road. The aircraft struck a tree, then crashed into a utility pole and a house, and subsequently burned. Nearby persons removed the occupants from the aircraft. The aircraft, the house, and two cars were badly burned.
Investigation Findings
No reason was found for the loss of fuel pressure and engine power. Downing and Mathis airstrips were located approximately 15 and 12 nautical miles northwest of Gwinnett County Airport, respectively, about 3 nautical miles to the right of the aircraft's flight path.