Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that as the airplane began to climb out, there was a loss of engine RPM and the engine started to run rough. No further details about the flight or outcome were provided.
Post-Accident Engine Run-Up
A post-accident engine run-up was conducted. The engine started easily and operated normally at low power settings. After a warm-up period, the throttle was advanced to 2500 RPM. At that setting, the engine began to run rough, with black smoke and flames coming out of the exhaust.
Fuel Pump Bench Test
A fuel pump bench test was performed. The test revealed that the high end discharge adjustment was set higher than recommended. When the RPM was advanced to 2600 RPM per test parameters, the test stand discharge gauge pegged on the high side.
Aircraft Maintenance History
The aircraft had flown 1.1 hours since the annual inspection, which had been completed 8 months before the accident. Logbook entries indicated that the entire fuel system had been removed, overhauled, reinstalled, and adjusted in December 1990, approximately 4 flight hours before the accident.