Introduction
An aircraft on a business flight from Canada to the United States crashed while maneuvering to land at Albuquerque International Airport. The airplane had departed from Kansas City with full fuel tanks.
Flight Details
The flight plan indicated a planned en route time of 3 hours 30 minutes to Albuquerque, with 5 hours 30 minutes of fuel on board. Strong winds and turbulence were forecast along the route. The actual flight duration was 4.4 hours.
Accident
During the approach, while turning from base leg to final, the aircraft impacted the ground. The accident occurred at Albuquerque International Airport.
Post-accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of fuel in or around the aircraft. The fuel tanks had been topped off before departure from Kansas City.
Fuel Management Recommendations
The manufacturer recommends using the main fuel tanks for 90 minutes before switching to any auxiliary tank. This practice is intended to prevent venting of return fuel overboard, which can diminish the fuel supply.