What happened
During a night positioning flight, a Part 1-35 cargo aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power to both engines. The aircraft was operating under Part 91 regulations for a repositioning leg after a scheduled destination departure had been canceled due to weather. While en route, the pilot notified air traffic control that the fuel gauges were indicating low fuel levels.
The pilot initially attempted a VOR instrument approach at a nearby airport but was unsuccessful. Air traffic control subsequently provided radar vectors and clearance for an ILS approach to another airport. During this approach, both engines failed, forcing the pilot to execute a landing on a dirt road located approximately 4 miles south of the airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the event, and the pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel system and the refueling process prior to the flight. The pilot reported that he had requested a local fixed base operator to refuel the aircraft, but he did not personally observe the refueling process nor did he receive a fuel receipt. During the preflight inspection, the pilot attempted to check the fuel quantity by feeling the tanks with his fingers; he reported being unable to feel any fuel in the tanks. However, the cockpit fuel gauges indicated that the tanks were full.
The pilot noted a discrepancy in the gauge accuracy, stating that the gauges would read full even when only 120 gallons remained in the 156-gallon capacity tanks. An inspection of the aircraft at the accident site confirmed that the wing tanks were empty, while the fuselage tank contained only 5 quarts of fuel. No fuel leaks were discovered during the inspection of the airplane.
Findings
- The wing tanks were found to be completely empty upon inspection.
- The pilot's preflight check via physical contact failed to detect the low fuel level.
- There was a discrepancy between the indicated fuel levels and the actual quantity in the tanks.
- The company's Operations Manual requires that no aircraft be fueled without a qualified employee present and that the pilot must determine the quantity of fuel added.