Flight Details
The flight departed from Santa Monica at 1356 for a cross-country checkout with full fuel tanks. Over the course of the flight, takeoffs, landings, and instrument approaches were conducted at six different locations. The CFI was aware that the aircraft had inaccurate fuel gauges. After 5.3 Hobbs-meter-hours of flight, during which fuel was used from a combination of auxiliary and main tanks, the aircraft returned to Santa Monica.
Engine Failure and Landing
Upon arrival, both pilots reported that the main tanks' fuel gauges indicated at or above the 'yellow arc.' The CFI authorized one final traffic pattern circuit. While climbing to 1,000 feet, one engine began running rough and then quit. Seconds later, power was also lost on the second engine. The CFI took control, reversed course, and glided toward the runway. To increase the likelihood of reaching the airport, the landing gear was intentionally retracted.
Aftermath
The aircraft was destroyed by the postcrash fire.