What happened
Following the refueling of the aircraft's fuel tanks, the pilot departed on a return flight intended to reach his home airport. Approximately 50 nautical miles from the destination, the right engine ceased operation due to fuel exhaustion. In response to this failure, the pilot initiated a turn toward an airfield located in the vicinity.
As the aircraft approached the runway of the intended landing site, the left engine also lost power. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain approximately one-half mile short of the runway threshold.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the engines and the fuel system following the accident. Examination revealed that both engines had experienced fuel exhaustion. The sequence of events indicated that the initial loss of power in the right engine was directly attributable to the depletion of usable fuel, which subsequently led to the failure of the left engine as the aircraft attempted to divert.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the fuel exhaustion that affected both engines. The pilot's decision to continue the flight after refueling did not prevent the eventual depletion of fuel reserves before reaching the intended destination or the alternate airfield. The impact with the terrain occurred as a direct result of the loss of thrust in both powerplants.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that sufficient fuel reserves are calculated for the entire flight plan, including potential diversions and holding patterns. Regular monitoring of fuel quantity and consumption rates is essential to prevent fuel exhaustion, particularly during long flights or when operating near the limits of the aircraft's range.