Incident Overview
A Part 135 cargo aircraft sustained substantial damage after both engines lost power, forcing the pilot to execute a night landing on a dirt road approximately 4 miles south of the intended airport. The flight had originally been scheduled as a cargo operation but was unable to depart due to weather; instead, it departed as a Part 91 positioning flight to an alternate destination.
Sequence of Events
During the en route phase, the pilot informed air traffic control that the fuel gauges were indicating low fuel. The pilot first attempted a VOR instrument approach to a nearby airport but was unsuccessful. ATC then provided radar vectors and cleared the pilot for an ILS approach to another airport. While flying the ILS approach, both engines lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing.
Fuel Management Issues
The pilot reported that he had requested the local fixed base operator to refuel the aircraft. However, he did not observe the refueling process and did not receive a fuel receipt. During the preflight inspection, the pilot checked the fuel tanks by feeling for fuel with his fingers and could not detect any fuel. He then checked the fuel gauges, which indicated FULL. The pilot noted that the gauges would show FULL when the tanks contained as little as 120 gallons, even though the total capacity was 156 gallons.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the fuel tanks at the accident site revealed that the wing tanks were empty, and the fuselage tank contained only 5 quarts of fuel. No fuel leaks were found. The company's Operations Manual, under "Aircraft Refueling Procedures," stated: "No company aircraft will be fueled unless a pilot or other company employee, experienced in aircraft fueling, is present. ... The pilot shall determine the quantity of fuel to be added to the aircraft and that the aircraft is properly grounded."
Conclusion
The forced landing resulted from a loss of power to both engines. The investigation documented discrepancies between fuel gauge indications and actual fuel quantity, as well as deviations from established refueling procedures.