Details
The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from the pilot's home airport. Three days prior, the pilot had landed at the same airport, which had no fuel available. The pilot told witnesses that during that flight he had exhausted his auxiliary tanks and nearly depleted his main fuel supply.
On the day of the accident, the pilot researched fuel prices at airports in the area, seeking a cheaper option than the nearest fuel stop. He stated he had "an hour's worth of fuel on board."
Sequence of Events
Immediately after takeoff, witnesses observed a loss of engine power on one engine, followed by a loss of power on the other engine. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain approximately three miles from the departure airport.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed about one gallon of fuel on board, with no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident scene. Both fuel selectors were found in the "crossfeed" position. The fuel system had recently been overhauled and all fuel pumps were found to be operational. Inspection of the airframe and engines revealed no pre-impact anomalies.
Review of fuel records and aircraft flight times showed that the airplane had flown approximately five hours since its last fuel service.