Accident Overview
On March 18, 2010, at approximately 0800 mountain standard time, a Cessna 421B airplane, registration N3382Q, was substantially damaged during the approach to Artesia Municipal Airport (ATS) in Artesia, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The business flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The cross-country flight had departed El Paso, Texas, at about 0715.
Flight Details
The commercial pilot reported that he filled both main and both auxiliary fuel tanks prior to a 2.7-hour flight. He estimated that this allowed for over 1.5 hours of fuel on board for the 39-minute accident flight. During the en route portion of the flight, the pilot switched the fuel tanks from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks. During the descent to land, he switched back to the main fuel tanks.
Engine Failure and Impact
While on short final, the left engine quit. The airplane suddenly swerved to the left, and the descent rate increased. The pilot attempted a go-around and switched the fuel selector from the main fuel tank to the auxiliary fuel tank. The airplane struck a wire and impacted in an open field. The impact broke the left wing spar and separated the right engine from the wing. A post-impact fire ensued around the right engine.
Postaccident Examination
During the examination of the wreckage, fuel was found in the right main tank and both auxiliary tanks. The left main tank was found intact and empty. The pilot stated that he did not feel that there was anything wrong with the airplane. No anomalies were found with the engines or other airplane systems.