Incident Overview
An ATP-rated pilot was conducting an IFR business/training flight when an unscheduled fuel stop was made. Subsequently, during a practice ILS approach to Runway 3, followed by circling to land on Runway 21, the aircraft experienced a hard yaw to the right. The pilot reported losing directional control, stating that it sounded and felt like the right engine had lost power.
Pilot Actions
In response to the loss of directional control, the pilot selected the landing gear up and reduced both throttle and mixture controls. The pilot noted that with the landing gear extended, flaps set at 15 degrees, and the right propeller not feathered, the aircraft was unable to climb. He then elected to land on a dirt area located between Runway 3 and Runway 8.
Landing and Post-Accident Investigation
During the landing, the aircraft turned 180 degrees and slid 270 feet before coming to rest. A post-accident investigation by an FAA inspector revealed that the right fuel selector was in the right auxiliary fuel tank position. Inspection of the right engine fuel lines found only a few drops of fuel. Both auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, and no fuel was present in the detached right main fuel tank.