Incident Overview
On May 4, 2011, at approximately 1345 eastern daylight time, a Pfouts Senior Aero Sport D260, registration N705AP, experienced a loss of engine power and executed a forced landing near Palm Coast, Florida. The experimental, amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged during the landing. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight, conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, originated from Pierson, Florida (2J8) about 1330. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff at approximately 200 feet above ground level, he turned off the electric boost pump. Shortly thereafter, he observed low fuel pressure while the engine-driven pump was operating. He reactivated the boost pump, and fuel pressure returned to an acceptable level. While approaching St. Augustine, the fuel pressure dropped again, and the engine quit. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with trees.
Post-Accident Examination
An initial examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found that the wing fuel tanks contained adequate fuel; however, the fuel gascolator was dry. The electric boost pump was identified as a Holley automotive-type fuel pump. The pilot reported that this pump had been installed the day before the accident. The engine-driven pump had been overhauled in September 2010 and installed approximately 40 flight hours prior to the accident, according to the pilot.
On May 19, 2011, the FAA inspector examined both fuel pumps at a local FAA Part 145 repair station. The electric fuel boost pump, a Holley model R90615AA automotive pump, was energized with an external power source. It ran and provided good suction at the inlet port. The engine-driven fuel pump, a Lear Siegler model RD7790, was tested on a fuel flow test bench. After an initial boost of 1 psi, it maintained a pressure of 7 to 9 psi. The inspector found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction with either pump.