Accident Description
While approaching an airport to land, the airplane's engine sustained a total loss of power. The pilot elected to land in an open field. During the landing, the airplane struck a dirt mound and subsequently became entangled with a telephone support cable.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump jet orifice was blocked, and air bubbles were introduced into the engine fuel system. The fuel metering unit filter screen was 20 percent blocked with unidentified debris. The filter screen had not been recently removed.
Additionally, two of the fuel system hoses leaked. The inlet fuel hose at the gascolator had a gap between the 'B' nut and the collar that exceeded the manufacturer's recommended tolerances. All exterior engine fuel system hoses were deteriorated.
Maintenance History
The last annual inspection was accomplished about 7 months before the accident. That annual inspection was the first inspection accomplished in 2 years. The airplane accrued 7.95 hours in the 2 years preceding the accident.
Pilot Information
The investigation revealed that the pilot recently had both hips replaced and a coronary bypass operation.