Incident Overview
After reaching 23,000 feet mean sea level, the pilot leaned the engine's turbine inlet temperature (TIT). Approximately 5 to 10 minutes later, the TIT began to rise. The pilot requested and received clearance to descend to 17,000 feet. As the TIT continued to climb, he requested further descent to 12,000 feet and reduced power. At that time, the engine started to run very rough, popping and spitting, and not developing any power.
Emergency Descent and Landing
The pilot requested assistance for vectors to the closest airport. After locating the airport, he observed a tractor positioned in the middle of the runway. He selected a field approximately one-quarter mile east of the airport on which to land. The aircraft landed hard, damaging the right wing and landing gear.
Postaccident Engine Examinations
Several postaccident examinations of the engine were performed. Fuel was observed in the engine and in the fuel tanks, and was present in each of the fuel injector nozzles. When the fuel boost pump was turned off, the engine surged. The engine-driven fuel pump was bench and flow tested, and no discrepancies were observed. A replacement turbocharger was installed on the engine and test run, but the engine continued to run rough and surge.
Investigation Conclusion
Nothing was found during the investigation to determine what caused the loss of engine power.