Accident Sequence
The twin-engine airplane was conducting a night instrument approach to Galveston, Texas, after a non-stop flight from San Diego, California. The pilot had been cleared for the approach when he reported losing the right engine and stated that little fuel remained. Air traffic control then vectored the aircraft toward the closest airport. Radar contact was lost when the airplane was approximately one mile northeast of that airport.
A witness on the ground observed the airplane enter a spin, descend in a nose-down attitude, and strike the water near the center of a lake.
Fuel Considerations
The pilot's flight plan for the cross-country flight indicated that the airplane carried enough fuel for 7 hours and 30 minutes of flight. At the time radar contact ceased, 7 hours and 32 minutes had elapsed since departure from San Diego.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies. The landing gear was found in the down position, the flaps were extended to approximately 15 degrees, and neither propeller was feathered.
Manual Procedure
The airplane owner's manual specified that, during a single-engine approach, the landing gear should be extended only when within gliding distance of the airfield and that flaps should be placed down only after a safe landing is assured.