Flight and Fuel Management
A pilot departed under visual flight rules (VFR) with a litter patient and three other passengers on board. The flight initially used the right main fuel tank for approximately the first 30 minutes before switching to the left main tank. While en route, the pilot obtained an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan after the destination weather failed to improve to VFR conditions as forecast.
Loss of Engine Power
During the approach, the pilot performed a before-landing check and switched back to the right main fuel tank before descending into clouds for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. Subsequently, the engine lost power abruptly. While attempting to restart the engine, the pilot believed he switched to the right tip tank and then later back to the right main tank.
Descent and Crash
As the aircraft broke out of the clouds, the pilot attempted to maneuver toward a clearing. However, the airplane struck trees and crashed. Post-accident examination found the fuel selector positioned to the left tank, which contained about 3 pints of fuel remaining.