Overview
A multi-engine airplane was involved in an accident after the pilot declared an emergency due to engine sputtering. The aircraft collided with power lines and a dust bin, ultimately coming to rest suspended on the dust bin.
Flight History
The pilot operated the airplane on a multi-leg flight. The first leg was uneventful. No fueling occurred after landing, as indicated in the route procedure. The pilot then flew for 1.8 hours, 1.5 of which were as a flight instructor after the first leg. The second and third legs were also uneventful, and fueling was not performed after those landings either. Total flight time since the pilot's last fueling was 4 hours and 54 minutes.
Approach and Emergency
During the approach, the pilot twice requested to land on runway 36R but was advised to follow company traffic landing on runway 18L. A witness reported hearing the engine sputtering. After being cleared to land, the pilot declared an emergency.
Collision and Postaccident Examination
The airplane collided with power lines and a dust bin, remaining suspended on the dust bin. Postaccident examination revealed that no more than 10 ounces of fuel could be drained from the airplane; no fuel leakage was noted. No preimpact failure or malfunction of the engine, flight controls, or fuel indicating system was found. The right fuel gauge sustained impact damage, preventing needle movement during postaccident testing.
Maintenance Records
Instructions required by Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-12-08 were not incorporated into the aircraft records.