Sequence of Events
The aircraft had been fueled to capacity and flown on multiple flights. At the last stop, 18 gallons of fuel were added to each wing tank, for a total of 60 gallons, according to the pilot. While preparing to depart, the left fuel boost pump was discovered to be inoperative. The pilot informed a mechanic that she attempted to start the left engine by positioning the left fuel selector to the left engine and the right fuel selector to crossfeed. However, because the right boost pump is located downstream between the right engine and the fuel selector, it could not pressurize fuel to the left engine. The left boost pump was subsequently replaced, and the pilot departed.
Approaching the destination, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and crashed in an open field.
Findings
Post-crash examination revealed that the throttle quadrant was not set for an engine malfunction. No fuel was found in the left wing tank. The left fuel selector was in the left tank position, and the right fuel selector was in the crossfeed position. This configuration would have caused both engines to be fed from the left wing tank, which contained no fuel at the time of the accident.