On May 1, 1990, a Piper PA30 (registration N7946Y) operated by Haaf, Tom was involved in an aviation accident near Sedona, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cross-country flight, the right engine failed. The pilot, assuming partial power, did not secure or feather the propeller. While on downwind for a diverted landing, the left engine failed. The aircraft impacted the runway, shearing the landing gear. Fuel selectors were on empty aux tanks.
Incident Overview
The aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine while the pilot was conducting a cross-country flight. The pilot believed the engine was still producing some power and consequently did not attempt to restart or secure the engine, nor did he feather the propeller. He diverted the flight to a nearby airport for landing.
Sequence of Events
While on the downwind leg of the approach, the left engine also failed. The pilot turned the aircraft toward the runway. The aircraft then impacted the ground on the runway, and the impact sheared the landing gear.
Fuel System Examination
Post-incident examination revealed that the fuel selectors were positioned to the auxiliary tanks, which were found to be empty.