What happened
While climbing to cruise altitude, the pilot noticed a decrease in fuel flow accompanied by rising cylinder head and oil temperatures. An odor of overheating was also detected within the cabin. As the engine began to sputter, the pilot engaged the fuel pump, but the engine subsequently quit.
The pilot performed a forced landing in a pasture. During the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed. The occupants were not injured.
The investigation
Investigators found evidence of a fire within the engine compartment. This fire was traced to a leak at the main fuel line B-nut. The investigation determined that this B-nut had been loosened and was not properly tightened during the recent replacement of the standby vacuum pump.
Findings
Findings indicated that the B-nut was not replaced tightly following maintenance on the standby vacuum pump. Additionally, the quality control inspector responsible for examining the repair failed to examine the area surrounding the newly replaced standby vacuum pump.