What happened
The pilot requested that 42 gallons of fuel be added to the aircraft to reach a total fuel load of 60 gallons. However, the line worker only added 4.2 gallons, resulting in a total fuel load of 22.2 gallons. The pilot failed to verify the actual fuel quantity before departing.
The flight proceeded from San Juan to Vieques, consuming 12 gallons of fuel during the trip. No additional fuel was added at Vieques, and the pilot again did not verify the remaining fuel load. Upon departing Vieques for the return flight to San Juan, the aircraft carried 10.2 gallons of fuel.
During the descent into San Juan, both engines failed. The pilot performed a forced landing in a sugarcane field. After the aircraft traveled approximately 100 yards along the ground, the left landing gear collapsed.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed that only 36 ounces of fuel remained in the system, with no evidence of any leaks. Investigation of the engines showed they had been operated at full power and there was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the accident.
The line worker involved had been employed as a part-time employee since January 2, 1989. At the time of the incident, it was his fifth day on the job, and he stated he had received no formal refueling training.