CHI97LA012

The pilot stated that during initial climb the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine, but was unable to do so. He made a forced landing in unsuitable terrain. A postaccident examination of the mechanical fuel pump found that the actuator arm was worn and fuel pressure and volume were not sufficient to maintain engine power. There is no manufacturer's requirement for inspection of the fuel pump during its service life. The pump had accumulated 1,007 hours.

On October 20, 1996, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N56155, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing about one-quarter mile west of the Lakes of the North Airport, near Mancelona, Michigan. The pilot reported a loss of engine power and the smell of smoke in the cockpit, prior to the forced landing. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file for the local flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot said that the engine quit completely and that he could not get it to restart. He then set up for a forced landing.

An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the actuator arm for the mechanical fuel pump was worn to the extent that adequate fuel pressure and volume was not available. See the Federal Aviation Administration, inspector's report attached as an addendum to this report including drawing of affected part.

There is no manufacturer's requirement for inspection of the mechanical fuel pump during its service life. The pump in the accident airplane had accumulated a total time in service of 1,007 hours at the time of the accident.