What happened
A pilot was operating a CFR Part 135 cargo flight involving several stops. During the flight, the pilot operated the aircraft using the right fuel tank for approximately 30 minutes before switching to the left fuel tank for the remainder of the trip.
As the aircraft approached its destination, the engine began to sputter and run roughly. In an attempt to rectify the issue, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank and activated the engine boost pump; however, the engine failed to respond. The pilot then switched back to the left fuel tank and engaged the engine starter.
Realizing the aircraft was too high to land at the approach end of the destination runway, the pilot selected an emergency landing area located off the departure end of the runway. During the landing sequence, the aircraft collided with several trees, resulting in damage to the fuselage, the left wing, and the landing gear. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
The operator's Director of Operations performed an inspection of the aircraft following the accident. This inspection revealed that there was no fuel remaining in the left wing fuel tank and no fuel in the left fuel reservoir tank. The operator stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions present in the aircraft.