What happened
On July 10, 2014, a Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2004 Bravo, registration N128LS, experienced a total loss of engine power while en route from Orlando Apopka Airport (X04) to Merritt Island Airport (COI). The flight was being operated under Part 91 regulations, and no flight plan had been filed.
After departing X04, the pilot climbed to a cruise altitude of approximately 2,500 feet. During the cruise phase, the pilot deactivated the electric fuel pump and noted an initial drop in fuel pressure, which then returned to the normal range. Approximately five to ten minutes later, the engine began running roughly. The pilot reactivated the electric fuel pump, which temporarily restored smooth engine operation, but the engine soon suffered a complete loss of power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing on a dirt road near Melbourne, Florida. The pilot was not injured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft at the accident site and found that each wing fuel tank contained approximately 3 gallons of fuel. The engine firewall had sustained substantial damage. Upon moving the aircraft to X04, investigators applied electrical power and verified the operation of the electric fuel pump. When fuel was plumbed to the engine, the engine started and ran smoothly at low RPM with no observable anomalies. However, the engine could not be tested at full power because the engine mounts had been damaged during the forced landing.