NTSB: Fuel System Problem May Have Caused Crash

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A problem in the fuel system may been what led the pilot of a small plane to make an emergency landing on the Florida Turnpike earlier this month.

The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary findings say when pilot Alain Jaubert, 49, was on his final approach to North Perry Airport when he had passenger Donato Pinto, 50, flip a switch for the fuel flow.

"While on final approach for runway 27L, the red "Fuel Press" warning light illuminated and the engine lost power. He (Jaubert) told the right seat occupant to reposition the auxiliary fuel pump from the auto to the on position, and at the same time moved the fuel selector below the trust lever quadrant to the left tank position," according to the NTSB's preliminary report.  "He (Jaubert) verified power loss by advancing the thrust lever forward, but there was no engine response."

Slideshow: Plane Crash Lands On Fla. Turnpike

Jaubert was then forced to make an emergency landing in the turbine powered Socata TBM700 in the northbound lanes of Turnpike near Hollywood Boulevard.  While no drivers were hurt, both Jaubert and Pinto were seriously injured.

Jaubert works for Socata, the plane's French manufacturer, and Pinto is a technician for the company.  This was the plane's first flight since it had undergone maintenance.

Click Here to read the NTSB's preliminary report.

It could take up to a year for the NTSB to issue their final report on the crash.