Flight Details
A business flight departed Lavrentlya, Russia, with an estimated 50 gallons of usable fuel on board, as estimated by the pilot-in-command. The airplane landed in Provideniya, Russia, approximately 40 minutes later, with about 30 gallons of fuel remaining. During the stop in Provideniya, the aircraft took on an additional 30 gallons of fuel.
Fuel Planning
The pilot reported that normally flights departing Provideniya would carry 120 gallons of fuel, but on this occasion no additional fuel was available. The flight subsequently departed Provideniya with an estimated fuel endurance of 1 hour and 45 minutes, according to the pilot. The airplane landed in Gamble, Alaska, on St. Lawrence Island, approximately 25 minutes later.
Fuel Verification
The pilot did not dip the fuel tanks to verify the actual amount of fuel on board. Additionally, the pilot did not check on the availability of fuel in Gamble before departure.
Engine Power Loss
Approximately 40 minutes after departing Gamble, the right engine lost power. About 50 minutes after departure, the left engine also lost power. The airplane did not carry personal flotation devices for the passengers.
Investigation
The investigation noted that fuel management practices contributed to the situation, but no probable cause was stated in the source. The aircraft was operated without personal flotation devices for passengers.