Incident Overview
An aircraft manufactured in Austria and holding a United States normal airworthiness certificate was involved in an incident during takeoff initial climb. The pilot reported smelling a strong odor of fuel, followed by a decrease in fuel pressure and subsequent engine stoppage. The pilot attempted to land in a field but observed a large number of cattle obstructing the intended landing area. The pilot then landed the aircraft early in soft soil, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that a fuel line quick disconnect fitting had come loose in the line between the fuel selector and the fuel pump. This fitting provides access to a fuel filter, which requires inspection during each 100-hour or annual inspection. According to the aircraft maintenance records, the fuel line was last removed and reinstalled approximately 20 hours before the accident.
Safety Wiring Assessment
An examining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the quick disconnect fitting was safety-wired in accordance with the maintenance instructions. However, the inspector further stated that, even with the safety wire in place, he was able to insert, lock, unlock, and remove the coupler from the pump. No fuel stains were observed in the area of the fuel pump.