Dual-Engine Power Loss During Cruise Leads to Off-Airport Landing (N16502)

Incident Overview and Initial Conditions The pilot initiated a takeoff while aware of a low battery condition. Fuel quantities at departure were 15 gallons in the left tank and 30 gallons in the right tank. ## In-Flight Power Loss and Pilot Actions While cruising at 7,500 feet, the pilot experienced a loss of power on the left engine. Emergency procedures were performed, but a restart was not achieved. The pilot feathered the left propeller and set up crossfeed. The right engine failed a few seconds later. The pilot was again unable to restart it and feathered its propeller. At that point, both fuel selectors were on crossfeed. The selectors were reset to tank-to-engine, and the pilot attempted to restart the right engine but was unable to do so because of the low battery. ## Landing and Post-Crash Findings An off-airport landing was made on a roadway. Post-crash examination showed fuel in the right tank and no fuel in the left tank. ## Pilot Qualification History The pilot had failed a multi-engine checkride two and a half months before the accident and did not pass the checkride until two months after the accident.