On 28 Jan 2014, a CESSNA 310I I operated by FLYING FOOLS LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot not verifying fuel quantity prior to departure, and assuming that the requested fueling had occurred. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During cruise flight, both engines partially lost power. The pilot conducted a forced landing in an open field, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot attributed the power loss to fuel exhaustion from not verifying fuel quantity.
Accident Overview
During cruise flight, the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger experienced a partial loss of power from both engines. The pilot selected an open field for a forced landing. Due to rough terrain, the airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion. He stated that he did not verify the fuel quantity before departure. The pilot had requested his local fixed base operator to fill the main fuel tanks, but this did not occur. He acknowledged that he should not have assumed the fueling had been completed.
No Mechanical Issues
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot not verifying fuel quantity prior to departure, and assuming that the requested fueling had occurred.