What happened
During the cruise phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. In response to the engine failure, the pilot initiated a forced landing procedure, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel system following the accident. On the left main fuel tank, the inboard and outboard fuel caps were found to be installed with a tight seal, and sixteen gallons of fuel were recovered from this tank. However, the right inboard and outboard main fuel caps were not installed. No fuel was recovered from the right main fuel tank.
At the crash site, there was no observed browning of vegetation or evidence of a fuel leak. Subsequent leak tests performed on both the left and right fuel tanks showed no leaks. Additionally, when shop air was introduced into the forward and aft pick-up lines for both the left and right fuel tank positions, no anomalies were noted.