Summary
During initial climb after takeoff, both engines lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing in the desert. The airplane had been on a positioning flight following a right engine change due to a previous failure that occurred about one month prior. The aircraft had been parked on the airport ramp without security; the operator typically provided security for airplanes in remote locations due to past incidents of vandalism and fuel theft but did not do so on this occasion.
Sequence of Events
The pilot did not visually check fuel quantity, relying instead on the fuel gauges. He also did not open the cowling on either engine, trusting the mechanic’s statement that the aircraft was ready for flight. After takeoff, the pilot switched the left fuel selector from the main to the auxiliary tank, causing the left engine to quit. He turned toward the runway, switched the selector back to the main tank, and turned the left fuel boost pump switch to high. The left engine fuel flow was near zero, and the boost pump produced no effect. The pilot then noticed the right engine losing power. He did not feather either propeller. When he determined that he would not reach the runway, he stalled the airplane into bushes to cushion the landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed no fuel in either the left or right main tip tanks. The left tip main tank was broken open during the forced landing, with no evidence of fuel spray on surrounding vegetation. Recovery personnel found 18 gallons of fuel in the left auxiliary tank and 23 gallons in the right auxiliary tank. The right engine air induction tube was disconnected at the inlet flange to the fuel/air metering control unit. Fuel consumption calculations from preceding flights and ground runs failed to account for approximately 74 gallons of fuel. Both engines operated to manufacturer’s specifications during postaccident test cell examinations. Fuel analysis of samples from various tanks contained high particulate contamination consisting of rust, dirt, iron, and flakes of aluminum.