Accident Overview
A pilot reported that before takeoff on a cross-country flight, the airplane contained 100 gallons of fuel, with 11 gallons in the header fuel tank. The automatic fuel transfer system was configured per the checklist, and no anomalies were noted during engine start, takeoff, and initial climb. Approximately 7 minutes into the flight, while climbing through 12,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the engine experienced an abrupt loss of power, confirmed by a loss of torque and engine compressor turbine rpm (Ng) speed. The pilot noted no cockpit warnings or abnormal indications before the power loss.
Emergency Response and Forced Landing
The pilot declared an emergency, executed a 180° turn back to the departure airport, and attempted two engine restarts, both unsuccessful. Unable to return to the airport, the pilot performed an off-airport forced landing. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
Fuel System Configuration
A postaccident examination of the airframe, fuel system components, and a functional engine test revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel transfer pump switch was found in the manual position. The engine’s fuel was supplied by the airframe header tank. Avionics data indicated that during the short flight, the header fuel tank quantity consistently decreased, and the airplane’s automatic fuel system did not continually resupply fuel to the header tank.
Probable Cause
Based on available data, functional engine test, and fuel system testing, it is likely the pilot improperly configured the airplane’s fuel transfer system, which prevented the header tank from automatically refilling during the flight and resulted in fuel starvation and total loss of engine power. Although the pilot reported configuring the automatic system per the checklist, it is likely that the fuel transfer switch was in the manual or OFF position during the flight. Additionally, the pilot did not properly monitor the header tank’s fuel quantity.