Accident Details
During a cross-country personal flight conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 91, the private pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot initiated emergency engine procedures, including activating the electric auxiliary fuel pump, but observed that engine fuel pressure read zero. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot selected an open area surrounded by trees as an emergency landing site. The airplane landed short of the intended landing area, struck a large stand of trees, and nosed over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident inspection of the airplane's fuel system components revealed two anomalies: the electric auxiliary fuel pump was inoperative, and the vapor injector orifice in the engine-driven fuel pump was blocked by a 1/8-inch-long metal shaving.