Incident Overview
The incident occurred during the third flight of the day. The pilot had completed a service order for 32 gallons of fuel, which was placed on a bench inside the open hangar doors. However, the aircraft was not refueled; the order was later found on the hangar floor away from the bench.
Sequence of Events
While flying over the Grand Canyon at an altitude of 7,500 feet, the left engine stopped. The pilot reported that the fuel quantity gauges indicated empty. He then directed the aircraft toward the canyon rim and cleared the rim by approximately 500 feet above ground level. The pilot informed his company that he would attempt to reach the airport or land in a clearing. Shortly thereafter, the right engine also ceased operation. The aircraft executed a forced landing, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear.
Fuel Status
An inspection of the fuel tanks after the event revealed that the right main tip tank, left main tip tank, and left auxiliary tank were empty. The right auxiliary tank contained five gallons of fuel.