Preflight and Departure
Before takeoff, an individual other than the pilot used a fuel stick to measure the quantity in each tank, but the stick had not been calibrated. Based on this measurement and his own estimation, the pilot believed he had between 60 and 65 gallons of fuel on board for an intended flight of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Loss of Engine Power
After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 5,500 feet. At that altitude, the pilot positioned both fuel selectors to the auxiliary tank position. The flight continued normally until the aircraft began its descent near the destination airport. At that point, both engines lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot immediately repositioned both fuel selectors to the main tank positions, which restored engine power.
Diversion and Landing
With engine power restored, the pilot notified air traffic control, who provided vectors to a military grass landing strip. The pilot executed an eastward landing on the grass field. However, the aircraft touched down approximately 3,725 feet past the western edge of the field. After touchdown, the airplane continued to roll and collided with a fence, coming to rest upright about 1,200 feet from the initial touchdown point.
Post-Accident Examination
A subsequent examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed no leakage. A total of 14.75 gallons of fuel was drained from the left fuel tanks, and 3.0 gallons from the right fuel tanks.