Incident Overview
During cruise flight at 5,000 feet, the pilot was operating with the fuel selector positioned on the left main fuel tank, which contained approximately 12 gallons of fuel. The pilot's intention was to deplete the fuel in the left main tank before switching to another tank. After noting a slight loss of fuel pressure, the pilot proceeded to switch the fuel selector to the right main tank, which contained about 10 gallons. Concurrently, the pilot turned the electric fuel pump to the 'on' position.
Engine Failure
Following the tank switch and activation of the electric fuel pump, the fuel pressure dropped to zero and the engine ceased operation. The pilot then selected the right auxiliary fuel tank but was unable to restart the engine.
Emergency Landing and Damage
The pilot conducted an emergency landing in a river bed. During the landing, the right wing struck a small bank, resulting in damage to the nose gear, propeller, right main landing gear, and the right wing.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that upon activation of the electric fuel pump, it produced fuel to the engine-driven pump. However, hand rotation of the engine did not produce any fuel flow from the engine-driven fuel pump. Further examination of the engine-driven fuel pump on a test bench indicated that it did not meet the minimum fuel pressure as prescribed by the manufacturer and was very hard to prime.