Incident Overview
During preflight refueling for a local sightseeing flight, the fuel system stopped pumping, resulting in the pilot receiving less fuel than intended. Despite this, the pilot proceeded with the flight. While in a descent, the pilot deliberately operated the engines from the auxiliary fuel tanks until they were empty. At approximately 5,000 feet, both engines quit simultaneously.
Post-Engine Failure Actions
The pilot was unable to restart the engines and subsequently executed a forced landing in a wooded area. The pilot reported that his instructor had implied that running the auxiliary tanks dry was a safe procedure.
Fuel System and Procedures
The pilot also stated that he did not turn on the fuel boost pumps while attempting to restart the engines, as specified in an addendum to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). He said he was not aware of that addendum until after the accident. At the time of the accident, approximately 28 gallons of fuel remained in the main fuel tanks.