What happened
The aircraft was operating in the cruise phase of flight when it experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power. The altitude at the time of the failure was recorded as 11,000 feet. With no power available to maintain controlled flight, the pilot initiated an emergency procedure to execute a forced landing. The aircraft was landed in the median of a roadway. During this landing sequence, the airframe encountered an embankment, resulting in damage to the airplane.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a detailed examination of the aircraft's engine to determine the root cause of the power loss. The inspection focused on the fuel delivery system, specifically looking for obstructions or mechanical failures that could have interrupted fuel flow to the combustion chambers.
Findings
The technical analysis revealed a critical failure within the fuel system. A pressure fuel line located between the fuel manifold and the number 5 cylinder had fractured. The break occurred precisely at the solder joint where the 'B' nut attached the line to the fuel nozzle. This structural failure of the fuel line led directly to fuel exhaustion in the engine, causing the total loss of power during cruise.