Accident Overview
An FAA inspector was conducting a re-examination checkride with a pilot at Republic Airport (FRG). The flight involved touch-and-go landings on runway 01. While on the base leg, the inspector simulated a loss of engine power by retarding the throttle. The pilot stated that he performed the emergency procedure for a loss of power. When the inspector instructed the pilot to advance the throttle, the engine did not respond.
Pilot Actions and Inspector Intervention
The pilot reported that the fuel pressure gauge was indicating within the green arc range. The inspector then turned on the auxiliary fuel pump, but the loss of power continued. Subsequently, the inspector took control of the airplane and executed a forced landing into a reservoir.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The airplane was placarded to take off and land with the auxiliary fuel pump off, except in the case of a loss of fuel pressure. The approved airplane flight manual specifies the emergency procedure for a loss of engine power: check the fuel flow gauge, and if fuel flow is abnormally low, turn the auxiliary fuel pump on, then off if performance does not improve in a few moments.