Event Summary
The pilot informed the radar controller during an en route descent that an engine had been lost and that the aircraft could not maintain altitude. The aircraft subsequently descended toward hilly terrain.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft descending, initiating a right turn, then abruptly pitching down and rolling to the right. The aircraft impacted in a residence yard on its right wing tip.
Aircraft Examination
The aircraft is equipped with main and auxiliary fuel tanks in each wing. A selector switch determines whether the main or auxiliary tank fuel level is displayed on the fuel gauges. Examination revealed that the fuel selectors were positioned to the auxiliary tanks while the fuel gauge was selected to the main tanks. No fuel was found in the auxiliary tanks, while approximately 10 gallons of fuel were present in the main tanks. The left engine fuel lines contained no fuel, whereas the right engine lines had fuel. Examination of the propeller hubs showed that the right propeller was in the feathered position and the left propeller was in the high pitch range.