Flight Details
The accident flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 135 as a cargo operation with a planned duration of 1 hour. The pilot-in-command (PIC) and second-in-command (SIC) had completed five previous legs before the accident leg. Before departure, the PIC performed a walk-around and visual inspection of the airplane, while the SIC loaded the cargo. The crew reported that the fuel gauges indicated approximately half full.
Engine Failure and Emergency
About 45 minutes into the flight, conducted at night under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the left engine began to sputter. The PIC made various fuel tank and crossfeed selections for both the left and right engines. During these selections, both the right and left engines completely lost power. The PIC declared an emergency and was provided a radar vector to the airport.
Landing
The airplane descended out of the clouds approximately 3 miles from the airport. Unable to glide to the runway, the PIC executed a gear-up landing in an open field.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the landing revealed that the right wing fuel drain had broken off during impact. No usable fuel could be drained from either the left or right fuel tanks. About 1 ounce of fuel was obtained from each engine fuel system.