Incident Summary
After maintenance to repair a magneto problem, the pilot verified that the magneto check was satisfactory during the engine run-up. Following takeoff, while being vectored for a localizer approach, the pilot smelled smoke in the cockpit. As the pilot attempted to discern the source of the smoke, the engine stopped producing power, the nose of the airplane pitched down, and black smoke poured from the defroster vents. The pilot turned in the general direction of the departure airport, descended below the cloud layer, and performed a forced landing to a golf course.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed extensive fire damage in the engine compartment. Further examination revealed that the fuel pressure line to the fuel pressure gauge was disconnected from its baffle fitting. The line was "rerouted," and the line was held in place between an oil supply line and structural tubing.
Maintenance Documentation
Examination of the airplane's logbooks revealed that no entries were made that reflected the repair work to the magnetos. On the pilot's receipt, however, the mechanic wrote, "Reinstalled P-leads on mags." According to an FAA inspector's statement, "To gain access to the left magneto, the fuel line must be moved out of the way."