What happened
During a night flight conducted under instrument flight rules in visual conditions, the pilot noticed a change in engine performance. In an attempt to rectify the issue, the pilot switched fuel tanks and adjusted both the propeller and power levers. The aircraft was then turned toward an airport beacon, continuing the flight using partial power.
While on final approach, the airplane lost all engine power. This resulted in a forced landing approximately 1/4 mile short of the landing runway. Following the impact, three of the four fuel tanks were found to be ruptured, though 8 gallons of fuel remained contained within an auxiliary tip tank.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel system and found no fuel present at the fuel injector, the engine-driven fuel pump, the electric-driven fuel pump, or the outlet of the fuel selector valve. Tests performed on the airframe and engine fuel supply components indicated they were operational.
Upon removal of the spark plugs, the electrodes were observed to be white with no trace of gray. Although the engine successfully started and ran during a post-accident test cell evaluation, a detailed examination identified that the engine driven fuel pump leaked and the left magneto was not configured according to factory specifications.