The airplane sustained substantial damage at approximately 1115 Central time when it made a forced landing to a clearing after a total loss of engine power on takeoff. The airline transport-rated pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
On takeoff, the pilot noticed the fuel pump annunciator light flicker. He continued with the takeoff and double-checked to make sure the auxiliary fuel pump was turned on. Shortly afterward, the fuel pump light illuminated fully. Shortly after the pilot elected to return to the airport, “the engine went from smooth to zero.” The pilot was unable to make it back to the airport and made a forced landing to a small clearing next to a busy interstate. The left wing struck a tree during the landing and the outboard section of the wing separated from the airframe.
