Flight Details
The pilot operated a twin-engine airplane on a multi-leg journey, starting from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Concord, North Carolina, and then to Dunkirk, New York. Before departing from Dunkirk, the pilot declined an offer to refuel and did not perform a visual inspection of the fuel tanks.
Fuel Indicators
When the engines were started, the left fuel quantity indicator showed a reading between the top of the 'empty' white arc and the quarter-tank mark. The right fuel indicator was between the quarter-tank and half-tank marks.
Approach to Erie
After approximately 25 minutes of flight, while on a straight-in approach to Erie, the pilot noticed that the left fuel indicator had entered the white arc, indicating a low fuel condition. Anticipating an engine failure, the pilot turned the right fuel selector handle one turn to the left in an attempt to cross-feed fuel from the right tank to both engines.
Engine Problem and Descent
Shortly after adjusting the fuel selector, the pilot perceived an engine problem and advanced all controls to the full forward position. The pilot could not recall the sequence of events thereafter. The airplane subsequently descended through trees and came to rest between two buildings.
Fuel System Placards
According to a fuel placard in the aircraft, turning the right fuel selector handle one click to the left positioned the selector in the cross-feed mode. This configuration allowed fuel from the left tank to cross-feed to the right engine. Another placard stated, 'Do not take-off if fuel quantity indication gauges indicate in yellow arc or with less than 13 gallons in each wing system.'