Accident Overview
The airplane was in cruise flight at approximately 2,500 feet when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot during the descent but could not restore engine power. In close proximity to the ground, the pilot determined that the airplane would not clear power lines in its path, turned away from the power lines, and noted that the airspeed was "under a hundred" as the turn was initiated. The pilot could not recall the remainder of the flight and stated that his next recollection was waking up in the wreckage.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the engine was placed in a test cell and started, but it would not sustain operation without application of auxiliary fuel pressure. The engine was stopped, and examination revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump gasket was leaking, and the pump displayed considerable fuel staining on its exterior. Tightening of the pump produced the same results. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed and replaced by a slave pump. The engine then started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption with no application of auxiliary fuel pressure.
Findings
The examination identified a leaking gasket on the engine-driven fuel pump, which prevented the engine from sustaining operation without auxiliary fuel pressure. The replacement of the pump restored normal engine function.