On July 15, 1990, a Cessna 340 (registration N9865F) operated by Bill Walker And Associates was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE FUEL MANAGEMENT, IN THAT HE DID NOT SELECT MAIN FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO THIS APPROACH. THIS RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINES, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ALL ENGINE POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a visual approach, both engines quit after level-off. The aircraft impacted terrain 1/4 mile from the airport. Investigation found only 0.25 gallons of fuel in the left auxiliary tank; other tanks were ruptured. The pilot had been using auxiliary tanks during descent, contrary to their intended use for cruise flight only.
Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a dual engine failure after leveling off from a descent for a visual approach. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain approximately one-quarter mile from the airport.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported switching to the main fuel tanks 12 miles from the airport and stated that each of the four tanks contained about 150 pounds of fuel.
Inspection Findings
Post-impact inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left auxiliary fuel tank contained only 0.25 gallons of fuel. The remaining tanks were ruptured due to impact forces, preventing accurate fuel quantity measurement.
Fuel Management
The aircraft's auxiliary fuel tanks are designed for use during cruise flight only. However, the pilot reported using the auxiliary tanks during the descent for landing, contrary to this operational limitation.