Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a 15-minute positioning flight experienced a loss of power in both engines approximately 4 miles from the intended destination. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field, during which the airplane struck trees.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the aircraft departed with approximately 800 pounds of fuel on board. At the time of the power loss, the fuel gauges indicated about 300 pounds of fuel remaining.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the forward fuel tank contained over 200 pounds of fuel, while the rear tank indicated only 30 pounds. Both boost pumps were found to be operative. However, when the rear tank boost pump was activated, the low fuel pressure light remained illuminated. In contrast, activation of the forward tank boost pump extinguished the low fuel pressure light.
Additionally, the low fuel quantity light for the aft tank was discovered to be inoperative. This light was designed to illuminate when the fuel level dropped to approximately 100 pounds. The malfunction was traced to a corroded wire connection, which prevented the warning system from functioning as intended.