On March 19, 1984, a Cessna 310C (registration N12T) was involved in an aviation accident near Key West, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to improper fuel management during flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft experienced dual engine failure after switching fuel tanks, leading to a controlled ditching at sea. Both occupants were rescued by a Navy vessel, but the aircraft was lost.
What happened
While en route, the pilot switched the fuel supply from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks and then back to the main tanks. Approximately ten minutes later, both engines lost power. The pilot managed to restart the right engine, but it subsequently lost power again. The aircraft was ditched at sea. Both occupants were rescued by a Navy vessel, but the aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Findings
The sequence of fuel tank switching suggests fuel exhaustion as the primary factor. The inability to maintain power after restarting one engine indicates that the fuel system was likely empty or blocked.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to improper fuel management during flight.