Accident Description
While cruising at 11,000 feet, the pilot attempted to switch the left engine's fuel selector from the left main fuel tank to the left auxiliary fuel tank. At that moment, the left engine lost power. The pilot reported attempting to restart the left engine several times, engaging in intensive troubleshooting per the checklist, but was unsuccessful. Additionally, the pilot was unable to feather the left propeller during the securing procedures.
Engine Malfunctions
The pilot then used all remaining fuel from the right tip tank, left tip tank, and right auxiliary tank. During the descent to land, the right engine lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot initiated a forced landing, and the airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted in high desert terrain. Upon landing, the pilot moved the right engine's fuel selector to the off position to mitigate the risk of fire.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, an FAA inspector examined the fuel selectors. The left engine's fuel selector was found in the main position, and the right engine's fuel selector was in the off position. Usable fuel was present in both the left and right auxiliary fuel tanks. The pilot had accumulated a total of 15 flight hours in the accident airplane make and model, which included the accident flight.