On May 7, 1988, a Cessna 205 (registration N647MA) operated by Cdn Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Moline, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total engine failure was caused by the seizing of the engine-driven fuel pump shaft due to internal bearing failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced total engine failure during initial climb after the engine-driven fuel pump seized, causing a nose-over during an off-airport landing.
What happened
During the initial climb phase of a pleasure flight, the aircraft encountered a sudden loss of fuel pressure followed by a complete engine failure. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and initiated an emergency landing away from the designated airport. During this forced landing, the airplane nosed over.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft's propulsion system revealed significant mechanical issues. Investigators focused on the engine-driven fuel pump, which is critical for maintaining proper fuel flow to the engine under various operating conditions.
Findings
The technical analysis determined that the internal bearings within the engine-driven fuel pump had failed. This bearing failure caused the pump shaft to seize completely. The seizure of the pump shaft resulted in the total loss of fuel pressure, which directly led to the total engine failure observed during the flight.
Probable cause
The total engine failure was caused by the seizing of the engine-driven fuel pump shaft due to internal bearing failure.