Accident Details
A pilot conducting a CFR Part 135 cargo flight with multiple stops reported that the engine began to run rough and sputter just prior to landing at the destination. The pilot initially operated the airplane on the right fuel tank for 30 minutes, then used the left fuel tank for the remainder of the trip. When the engine malfunctioned, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank and activated the engine boost pump. The engine did not respond, so the pilot returned the selector to the left tank and activated the engine starter.
Emergency Landing
Noticing that the airplane was too high to land at the approach end of the destination airport runway, the pilot selected an emergency landing area off the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane collided with numerous trees, resulting in damage to the left wing, fuselage, and landing gear.
Post-Accident Inspection
The Director of Operations for the operator inspected the accident airplane following the incident. The inspection revealed no fuel in the left wing fuel tank and no fuel in the left fuel reservoir tank. The operator reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.