Incident Overview
A pilot reported that both engines ceased operating three times during a flight while he was transferring fuel and executing left turns. The event occurred as the pilot was descending from 12,500 feet and maneuvering for landing at Spruce Creek Airport.
Fuel Transfer and First Engine Stoppage
The pilot stated that he initiated a fuel transfer due to a fuel imbalance. He began crossfeed from right to left. While descending from 12,500 feet, approximately 5 to 10 miles from the airport, he entered a left turn to set up for landing. During this turn, both engines stopped. When he leveled the wings, the engines restarted due to auto-ignition. Fuel gauges indicated 300 to 350 pounds in the right tank and 100 to 150 pounds in the left tank. The pilot decided to continue the approach.
Second Engine Stoppage
While approaching Spruce Creek Airport, the pilot entered a left bank to prepare for a left base to runway 23. While established in the left turn, both engines stopped again. Believing he could not reach the runway, he aimed for a taxiway. After the wings were leveled, both engines restarted near the beginning of the taxiway.
Third Engine Stoppage and Landing
As the pilot was about to land on the taxiway, a car pulled out and stopped on the centerline. He applied power to avoid the car and climbed straight out. While making a climbing left turn, both engines stopped a third time. The airplane descended toward a cluster of condos. With no runway or clear area visible, the pilot directed the airplane to a retention pond.
Post-Incident Examination
Examinations by an FAA Inspector, along with representatives from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Hartzell Propeller Company, found no preaccident anomalies with the airframe, flight controls, engines, accessories, or propellers.
Analysis by Manufacturer Representative
According to the FAA Inspector and the Raytheon Aircraft Company representative, the pilot was transferring fuel from the left to the right tank. With the reduced amount of fuel in the left tank, as he performed left turns, the engines ceased operating. The Raytheon representative also noted that the Pilot Operating Handbook specifies the use of crossfeed for single-engine operation only.