Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the aircraft was being flown on a return flight after being refueled at Trenton, New Jersey. The pilot reported that the aircraft held 100 gallons of usable fuel and had consumed 70 gallons on the initial flight along the same route. Ground speed and fuel checks confirmed a forecasted 15-knot headwind. The pilot expected the aircraft to use an additional 10 gallons on the return trip.
Descent and Fuel Indication
The pilot stated that he started a descent about 50 miles from the destination with the fuel gauges indicating approximately 25 gallons. However, the fuel indication began dropping rapidly. Before reaching the runway, both engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot stated that his fuel gauges indicated there were 5 gallons remaining in each tank. During the landing at night, the landing gear collapsed. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Findings
The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to impact. The power loss was attributed to fuel exhaustion.