Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that while at an altitude of 4,500 feet, the engine failed suddenly and completely. The pilot immediately activated the boost pump, but it had no effect. The pilot then performed a 180-degree turn and headed for NE23 (Utica, Nebraska), which had just been passed. The pilot notified Lincoln Approach of the problem and informed them that restart procedures were unsuccessful.
During the approach, the pilot believed the aircraft was positioned to touch down halfway down the runway. The landing gear was lowered, and three green lights indicated the gear was down. The pilot then pumped down the remaining flaps. The aircraft touched down approximately 150 feet from the end of the runway. During the rollout, the landing gear collapsed due to the presence of vegetation described as "five feet tall fireweeds."
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane following the accident revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump drive pin was sheared. No other preexisting anomalies were found with respect to the aircraft or its systems.