What happened
The pilot-in-command departed with 45 gallons of fuel, proceeding toward the destination airport. Approximately 3 miles north of the destination, the right engine began to surge. At this time, the pilot noted that the fuel gauges indicated just below 20 gallons in the left tank and between 10 and 15 gallons in the right tank.
While troubleshooting the right engine, the pilot requested priority landing from the tower and began turning toward the airfield. Although the pilot did not initially declare an emergency, air traffic control advised against turning to the base leg due to other aircraft in the area. Upon returning to the downwind leg, the left engine also began experiencing problems. The pilot then declared an emergency and turned toward the airport but determined the aircraft could not reach the field, resulting in a landing on a road.
Following the impact, fire rescue personnel utilized sand barriers to contain spilled fuel. The largest barrier measured approximately 5 feet long by 3-4 feet wide, containing fuel at a depth of 4-5 inches. Responders estimated a leakage of 5-10 gallons of fuel.
The investigation
An FAA inspector performed a post-accident examination of the aircraft. No visible fuel was found in the left wing fuel tank or when the left wing sump drain was opened. An examination of the fuel lines in both engine compartments showed no fuel at the left engine fuel manifold valve, while trace amounts were present at the right engine fuel and manifold valve.
No fuel was detected at either the left or right fuel inlet lines at the engine-driven fuel pumps, nor at the outlet side of the left engine-driven fuel pump. Only a small amount of fuel was found on the outlet side of the right engine-driven fuel pump. Additionally, only small amounts of fuel were found in the fuel inlet housing at each servo fuel injector.