Flight Preparation
The pilot, who had flown this route in the same make and model airplane for nearly four years, calculated that 900 pounds of fuel were required for the flight. He observed 956 pounds on the fuel totalizer before departure. The ground controller informed him of weather delays at the destination that could extend up to 2.5 hours.
En Route and Holding
During the en route phase, the pilot received holding instructions with an expect-further-clearance (EFC) time of 50 minutes later. After being released from holding, 52 minutes after takeoff, the controller advised that the airplane was being vectored for a 35-mile final approach. The pilot then informed the controller that he was fuel critical, and the controller vectored him ahead of other aircraft.
Fuel Emergency
Ten minutes later, 84 minutes after takeoff, the controller asked about the fuel status. The pilot responded that it was "pretty low" and added that he seemed to be losing oil pressure. One minute later, at 85 minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported that he had shut down the right engine. He then declared an emergency and stated that he would not make it to the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks were intact and the fuel caps were secured. The amount of fuel recovered from both tanks was 1.5 gallons, which is less than the specified unusable quantity. Company records indicated that similar flights typically took about 48 minutes, and the airplane's average fuel flow was 580 pounds per hour.