Flight Details
The pilot ordered 42 gallons of fuel to be added to the aircraft, which would have brought the total fuel load to 60 gallons. However, the lineman added only 4.2 gallons, resulting in a total of 22.2 gallons. The pilot did not verify the fuel load prior to departure.
The aircraft was flown from San Juan to Vieques, during which 12 gallons were consumed. No fuel was added in Vieques, and the pilot again did not verify the fuel load. The flight departed Vieques for San Juan with 10.2 gallons of fuel.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
On descent into San Juan, both engines failed. The pilot executed a forced landing in a sugar cane field. After rolling approximately 100 yards, the left landing gear collapsed.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed it contained 36 ounces of fuel, with no evidence of leakage. The engines were operated to full power with no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction after the accident.
Lineman Background
The lineman who refueled the aircraft had been hired as a part-time employee on January 2, 1989. He stated that he was working only his fifth day and that he had no formal refueling training.