Background
The pilot of a multi-engine airplane departed on a 90-nautical-mile personal flight with eight passengers. He reported departing with 24 gallons of fuel in the outboard tanks and 80 gallons in the main tanks. After landing, the airplane was refueled with 100 low-lead aviation gasoline, adding 12 gallons to each main fuel tank. The pilot conducted a preflight inspection but did not visually check the fuel tanks.
In-Flight Events
After takeoff, the pilot experienced a "small surge in both engines" while climbing through 1,150 and 3,300 feet, respectively, describing the surges as "minor but still noticeable." Approximately 30 minutes later, after descending and leveling at 1,500 feet, the right aux fuel pump light illuminated intermittently, followed by a total loss of power on the right engine. Shortly after, the left engine began surging. Within three to four minutes, the pilot feathered the left propeller. The airplane was ditched in Massachusetts Bay.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane was recovered about one month later. The fuel selectors were positioned to the outboard tanks. Examination of the fuel tanks revealed fluid consistent with seawater with "some odor of fuel," but no visible fuel was observed. According to the airplane's information manual, total fuel capacity was 192 gallons, with 182 gallons usable. Examination of the airframe and engines found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.
Pilot Information
The pilot had purchased the airplane and attended a five-day type-specific training course in March 2001. He reported approximately 1,050 hours of total flight experience, including 800 hours in multi-engine airplanes and 65 hours in the accident make and model. He stated he had experienced no prior mechanical problems and believed he had flown the airplane the day before the accident. The last documented refueling before the accident occurred on May 3, 2001, when 128 gallons of aviation gasoline were added. The last flight recorded in the pilot's logbook was on May 4, 2001, for 1.9 hours. The pilot indicated he normally flew at 65 percent power, set "a little rich," and burned about 20 to 21 gallons per hour per engine.