What happened
On the day of the accident, a SOCATA North America aircraft, operated by SOCATA North America, Inc. and registered to SV Leasing Company of Florida, departed North Perry Airport (HWO) for a maintenance test flight following a 600-hour and annual inspection. The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) in visual meteorological conditions.
During the flight, the crew encountered several fuel-related warnings on the G1000 system. After climbing to 28,000 feet, the crew received a "Fuel Low R" amber warning. Although the fuel selector automatically switched to the left tank, the crew later received a "Fuel Unbalance" warning. In response, the pilot manually switched the fuel selector to the right tank. Following a descent to 10,000 feet, the "Fuel Low R" warning reappeared, and another "Fuel Unbalance" message was noted during a subsequent descent to 4,000 feet.
While established on final approach to runway 27L at HWO, the crew received a red "Fuel Press" warning. The pilot manually moved the fuel selector to the left tank, and the crew attempted to use the auxiliary fuel boost pump. Despite efforts to restore power using the power lever and manual override, the engine failed. The pilot attempted an in-flight restart but was unsuccessful.
Recognizing the engine had quit, the pilot identified a clear area on the Florida Turnpike. The crew executed a forced landing in the northbound lanes of the highway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The two crew members sustained minor injuries, and there were no ground injuries.
Findings
- The crew had manually adjusted fuel loads prior to takeoff to balance the tanks, but the pilot did not visually verify the levels due to the high fuel volume.
- Total loss of engine power occurred during the final approach phase of the flight.