Accident Description
The flight was on short final approach when the pilot encountered a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing, touching down in a field that was 25 feet short of the intended runway. After landing, the aircraft struck a berm and nosed over, coming to rest in that position.
Investigation and Examination
Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and performed a teardown examination of the engine. The maintenance records revealed that the operator had previously requested contract maintenance to resolve earlier occurrences of engine power loss. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had been flown for about 2.7 hours since its most recent maintenance.
The engine teardown examination disclosed that the fuel control unit linkage had been manipulated. This manipulation caused the fuel control unit to deliver idle flow rates that deviated from the required specifications.