19970514017809I

Narrative: history of flight: on 05-14-97 at approximately 1830 local, Piper N679X, flown by roger v. welling, lost power in level flight and made an emergency landing on runway 25 at alameda naval air station during a pleasure flight from apc to sql. VMC conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. There was no damage to the aircraft and no injuries to the occupants. The pilot holds a private certificate. The pilot reported that while over oakland the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The smell of gas was detected in the cabin for a brief period. When he realized that he could not make oak he diverted to make a landing at alameda naval air station, runway 25, which had been closed. A safe landing was made and the occupants were immediately contacted by an oakland p.d. helicopter unit. Investigation results: it was determined that fuel was available in both wing tanks, through the boost pump, to the mechanical fuel pump, and up to the tee connector where the fuel line enters the air throttle and metering assembly. When the mechanic attempted to remove the fitting it broke. The fitting exhibited signs of a recent break and of an older break covering up to 190 degrees of the break surface. The area exhibits a blackened appearance from a deposit. The old fitting was removed and replaced by the mechanic. A test run was conducted with no leakage or other anomalies noted. A form 8010-4 was submitted for the fitting . Negative pilot deviation.