Accident
During a flight to familiarize himself with a friend's newly purchased twin-engine aircraft, the pilot experienced a loss of power and was forced to execute an emergency landing. The incident occurred when the aircraft's engines ceased operating due to fuel starvation. The pilot and a passenger were aboard at the time. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants were unharmed.
Investigation
Following the event, the pilot in command (PIC) reported that he had been negligent. He stated that he did not possess a multiengine rating and had not studied the aircraft's fuel system prior to the flight. Examination of the aircraft after the landing revealed that the fuel selectors were positioned on the empty main tanks, while fuel remained available in both auxiliary tanks. The pilot's unfamiliarity with the fuel system likely contributed to the improper selector settings.
Cause
The pilot's lack of a multiengine rating and failure to study the fuel system resulted in fuel starvation, leading to the power loss and subsequent emergency landing. The fuel selectors being left on the empty main tanks, despite fuel being present in the auxiliary tanks, was the direct cause of the fuel starvation.