What happened
While operating a Raytheon aircraft, the pilot initiated a fuel transfer from the left tank to the right tank to address a fuel imbalance. At this time, the right tank contained approximately 300 to 350 pounds of fuel, while the left tank held between 100 and 150 pounds. During a descent from 12,500 feet approximately 5 to 10 miles from Spruce Creek Airport, the pilot executed a left turn, at which point both engines ceased operating. The engines restarted via auto-ignition once the wings were leveled.
As the aircraft approached Spruce Creek Airport for a left base to runway 23, the pilot entered another left bank. During this turn, both engines failed a second time. Believing the runway was unreachable, the pilot attempted a landing on a taxiway. The engines restarted again once the wings were leveled near the start of the taxiway. During the final approach, a car stopped on the taxiway centerline, prompting the pilot to apply power to avoid the vehicle.
While performing a climbing left turn following the avoidance maneuver, both engines ceased operating for a third time. The aircraft descended toward a cluster of condominiums. Finding no runway or clear area available, the pilot guided the aircraft into a retention pond. There were no fatalities reported in the incident.
The investigation
An FAA Inspector, along with technical representatives from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Hartzell Propeller Company, conducted examinations of the airframe, flight controls, engines, accessories, and propellers. No pre-accident anomalies were found in these components.