Accident Sequence
The pilot of a twin-engine airplane reported that he did not visually inspect the fuel levels in the tanks before departure. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the fuel gauges became erratic. About five minutes later, the left engine lost power, then regained power without any action by the pilot. Shortly thereafter, the right engine lost power. The pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pumps and attempted a restart, but was unsuccessful. The left engine then lost power for a second time; the pilot again engaged the auxiliary pumps and attempted a restart, also without success. The pilot performed a forced landing in a desert area. During the landing roll, the airplane struck rocks.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the right main fuel tank was intact and contained no fuel. The left main tank was punctured and contained only a trace of fuel. The right auxiliary tank contained 27 gallons of fuel, and the left auxiliary tank contained 21 gallons. The left and right fuel selectors were both positioned to the right main tank. Both auxiliary fuel pump switches were in the low position.
Pilot's Statements
When questioned about the amount of fuel on board at departure, the pilot stated that he believed fuel must have been stolen from the airplane while it was parked on the ramp for three days prior to the accident. A written statement was obtained from the line service technician who refueled the airplane. That statement confirmed that the technician had topped off the airplane with 74.6 gallons of 100LL fuel three days before the accident.
Aircraft Documentation
Review of the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Cessna 340A indicated that, in order to utilize fuel in the auxiliary tanks, the left and right fuel selectors must be positioned to the left and right auxiliary tanks, respectively, and the auxiliary fuel pump switches should be placed in the low position.