What happened
During the beginning of the takeoff sequence, the pilot experienced a significant reduction in engine power. This loss of thrust was accompanied by a torque reading of zero. Unable to reach an open landing area, the pilot executed a forced landing into a wooded environment.
Findings
An investigation of the engine following the accident identified a mechanical failure within the fuel control unit. Specifically, the arm of the fuel control unit was found to be loose, and the required lock wire was missing. Due to the improper positioning of this arm, applying maximum throttle resulted in the fuel control unit only delivering idle power to the engine.
Records indicate that company maintenance personnel had performed a 100-hour inspection on the engine just eight days before the incident. While the inspection protocols required a check of the fuel control linkage for security, the loose fuel control unit arm remained unaddressed during that service.