Accident Overview
The airplane was in cruise flight at 6,000 feet in below-zero temperatures when the right engine stopped producing power. The pilot entered a left-hand orbit and attempted an engine restart. After several orbits, the left engine also stopped producing power. The pilot completed a forced landing to a field, which destroyed the airplane.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of fuel at the scene. The left fuel selector was found in the 'Auxiliary' position, while the right selector was in the 'Main' position. The right fuel selector filter element bowl could not be freed after removal of the mount screws. The bowl was pried free, and the filter element screens were found completely occluded with ice.
Maintenance and Procedures
An FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) titled 'To eliminate water contamination of the aircraft fuel supply' mandated compliance every 50 hours of operation. This AD had not been complied with in 16 calendar months and 234 hours of operation. The Owner's Handbook stated that auxiliary fuel and tip tank fuel should be used in level flight only, and that the single engine service ceiling was approximately 5,800 feet at maximum gross weight.
Engine Testing
Both engines were subsequently started and ran to rated power in a test cell.