Incident Overview
During a descent from 8,000 feet to 2,500 feet while approaching the destination airport, the pilot set the throttle to the idle power setting. Upon reaching the assigned altitude, the pilot advanced the throttle but observed no increase in engine RPM.
Pilot Actions
The descent checklist warns pilots to avoid prolonged engine idle power settings. There was no indication that the pilot monitored engine RPM during the descent. The pilot reported completing the emergency checklist for an engine-out scenario but failed to place the fuel boost pump in the high position as required by the emergency procedure.
Forced Landing
The pilot selected a forced landing area and established an emergency descent. The airplane touched down in a tail-low attitude and subsequently collided with the ground.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination of the engine disclosed no mechanical malfunction. Approximately 17 gallons of usable fuel were recovered from the fuel system.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify a mechanical cause for the engine power loss.