Accident Overview
A general aviation airplane departed Banning, California at 0600 Pacific Daylight Time, en route to Buena Vista, Colorado. The aircraft had been serviced to its full capacity of 130 gallons of fuel the previous evening, and the pilot had flown approximately 15 minutes performing touch-and-go landings prior to departure.
Navigation and Weather
Unfavorable weather conditions forced the pilot to approach Alamosa, Colorado from the southwest. While navigating, the pilot inadvertently turned up the wrong valley, heading toward Gunnison, Colorado instead of Buena Vista. The pilot elected to continue to Gunnison.
Engine Failure and Landing
During the descent, both engines lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing on U.S. Highway 50 but had to swerve off the highway to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The local fire department received the first call reporting the downed aircraft at 1217 Mountain Daylight Time.
Fuel Evidence and Consumption
Fire department personnel reported finding little evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks. The total flight duration was approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes. The pilot stated that the fuel flow gauges indicated 16 gallons per hour during cruise flight. According to the Cessna Aircraft Company, fuel consumption should have been about 25 gallons per hour. The pilot reported that his fuel gauges showed 15 gallons in each main tank when the power loss occurred.