What happened
The aircraft experienced an in-flight engine stoppage attributed to fuel starvation. The root cause was identified as significant contamination present throughout the entire fuel system. Investigators were unable to determine the origin of this contamination or how long it had remained within the system.
At the time of the failure, the pilot was not within gliding distance of any suitable airport. Consequently, a forced landing was executed in a nearby farm field.
The investigation
The examination focused on the fuel system to identify the source of the contamination that led to engine failure. While the presence of large amounts of contaminant was confirmed, the specific origin and duration of its presence could not be established.
Findings
- Fuel starvation due to extensive contamination in the fuel system caused the engine stoppage.
- The pilot lacked sufficient altitude or distance to reach an airport, necessitating a field landing.
- The source of the contamination remains undetermined.
The pilot did not file an accident report following the incident.