Incident Description
According to the pilot, while flying at 7,000 feet, the aircraft encountered a slight bump and the engine immediately lost all power. Emergency procedures were performed but the engine did not regain power. During the emergency, the pilot observed fuel streaming from the area of the cowling, aft toward the windshield. Consequently, the pilot committed to a forced landing in an area of low pine trees. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft after the accident. The stainless steel fuel line at the front top side of the engine had separated from the fuel flow transmitter. This finding aligned with the pilot's report of engine power loss and fuel streaming from the top of the cowling. The fitting on the fuel flow transmitter exhibited signs of fretting and had cracked, allowing fuel pressure to cause the hose to back off the o-ringed nipple. Additionally, the support standoff that attaches the fuel line to the top alternator mount, intended to provide support for the fuel line, was not attached. The unattached standoff had been subject to vibration loads, which caused the fitting to separate from the fuel flow transmitter.
Maintenance History
Maintenance records indicated that the alternator had been replaced by a maintenance facility 26.6 hours prior to the accident.