On October 24, 1982, a Cessna 310C (registration N1739H) operated by John B. Clifton was involved in an aviation accident near Bastrop, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine quit because of fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While troubleshooting an unsafe gear indication, a pilot experienced left engine failure. After feathering the left engine, the right engine also quit. The aircraft landed short of the runway.
Incident
The pilot was preparing for an enroute landing when an unsafe gear light illuminated. While troubleshooting the gear issue, the left engine stopped. The pilot feathered the left engine, and almost immediately the right engine also quit. Unable to reach the runway during the power-off approach, the pilot landed approximately 300 yards short of the runway.
Investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the left feather lever was in the feathered position, but the left throttle and mixture controls were in the ON position. The right propeller was not feathered; however, the right throttle was closed and the mixture was OFF, indicating the engine had been shut down. The pilot reported that he did not move any controls after the accident.
Investigators believe the left engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion, as the aircraft had been flown to the limits of its fuel range.