Incident Overview
Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the flight instructor, who had 431 flight hours, was conducting an instructional flight. The instructor observed that both fuel quantity indicators were reading lower than expected and that the fuel pressure was indicating zero. In response, the instructor turned on the electric fuel pump switch, but no change was noted in the indications.
Diversion and Engine Failure
Shortly after the instructor decided to divert for a precautionary landing to a nearby airport, the engine began to run rough. The aircraft continued towards the airport.
Touchdown and Fire
Upon touchdown on runway 19, flames came through the firewall, and the flight instructor lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane veered off the edge of the 100-foot wide runway. While still rolling, the two occupants departed the burning airplane. The airplane was engulfed in flames a few seconds later.
Investigation Findings
According to the FAA inspector, a fuel line that connects the auxiliary fuel pump to the engine-driven fuel pump was found with a three-quarter to one inch size hole through its metal braiding. The steel braided fuel line had signatures consistent with contact with an electrical wire.