Accident Summary
A Beech Baron aircraft, after approximately two hours of cruising at altitude, began a descent into conditions where the outside air temperature was well below freezing. During the descent, the pilot attempted to add power but received no response. The pilot then engaged the boost pumps to high, but the fuel pressure gauge did not register any change. The pilot executed a forced landing on a wide road. During the landing, the aircraft clipped a guard rail, spun around, and was subsequently destroyed by fire. The pilot and three passengers evacuated the aircraft without injury.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination of the fuel system revealed the presence of water in both fuel manifolds. Additionally, a small piece of ice was discovered at the bottom of the right fuel strainer. The pilot reported that prior to the flight, he had drained the main fuel tank drain and the crossfeed drain. However, the auxiliary fuel tank drain and the fuel strainer drains were not drained.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he performed a preflight drainage of the main fuel tank drain and the crossfeed drain but did not drain the auxiliary fuel tank drain or the fuel strainer drains.