Primary finding
Probable cause
Excessive fuel system pump pressure and corresponding excessive fuel pressure and the pilot not maintaining the best single engine climb speed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The twin engine cargo airplane was preparing to enter a base leg for landing when the left engine ceased operating. During the transition to single-engine operations, the pilot stated the airplane's airspeed went below the single engine best rate of climb airspeed and a descent was entered. The pilot stated he was not able to turn onto base leg because when he attempted to do so the airplane's stall warning system would activate. The pilot stated he was not able to pitch the airplane's attitude down to regain airspeed because of low altitude. The pilot elected to land in a corn field. The on scene investigation and post accident testing revealed the left engine's fuel pump was defective and had flooded the engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
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