20220621020789A

Arrived on scene at 1530 local. Pilot had been transported to hospital with serious injuries. A witness stated he observed a small plane heading southeast about 20 feet above a wheat field and disappeared over a hill. He found the aircraft had crashed into the wheat field. The nose gear had separated from the aircraft and the right main gear was bent back and inward. Found both wood propeller blades broken off at the hub. Blades showed no rotational damage. No major damage was noted. Aircraft was transported back to the owner/pilots hangar at kiua. During examination of the aircraft at the owners airport a fuel smell was noted after the master switch was turned on. After, the cowling was removed to inspect engine, controls and accessories, the master was again turned on and the fuel supply line from the filter assembly to the engine driven pump came off at the filter when the boost pump activated. Inspection showed the line could be inserted on and off the fitting with ease. The clamp screw was tight, but not enough to secure the fuel line. Determined lower cowling must have been supporting the fuel line loosely. Inspection at the scene showed the propeller was not rotating at the time of the accident. The line was secured and the engine was started and run. Engine run was satisfactory. It should be noted that the pilot has no memory of the flight that day, even after 8 weeks.