On August 11, 2005, a Mccain RV-8 (registration N2071D) was involved in an aviation accident near Stephenville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of fuel pressure and subsequent loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A 500-hour pilot lost engine power due to fuel pressure loss after departure. Despite using the electric pump and switching tanks, power was not restored. The forced landing ended with tree impact. Fuel system exam found no anomalies; cause undetermined.
Incident Description
A pilot with 500 hours of flight time had recently departed from an airfield and was in cruise flight on a cross-country journey when he experienced a loss of fuel pressure, which led to a subsequent loss of engine power. In response, the pilot activated the electrically driven fuel pump and switched between fuel tanks multiple times. Despite these actions, fuel pressure and engine power were not regained. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane impacted trees.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, an examination of the airplane's fuel system was conducted. The examination did not identify any anomalies or malfunctions. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined from the available evidence.