Accident Overview
The pilot conducted a preflight inspection, boarded six passengers, and departed on an inter-island passenger transportation flight to a neighboring island 11 miles away. The airplane departed from an intersection 3,100 feet beyond the runway's beginning, leaving 5,600 feet of available runway ahead.
Departure and Initial Climb
Seconds after liftoff, the pilot initiated a right turn away from the runway and toward the neighboring island. During the initial climb, between 200 and 350 feet above ground level, the engine experienced fuel starvation.
Forced Landing
Unable to return to the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing in jungle-like, high terrain approximately 2,500 feet beyond the runway's departure end. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the impact sequence and was subsequently destroyed by a post-impact fire.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The pilot did not report any flight control problems. During wreckage examination, the fuel tank selector was found set to the left tip tank position. Both the company's Director of Operations and the accident pilot reported that the tip tanks were kept empty or nearly empty. The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) instructs to "Fill tip tanks first; use main tanks first" in operation of this airplane.