Flight Details
Two pilots, one a commercial pilot and the other a flight instructor rated check pilot, were conducting their first long-duration aerial observation flight in a multiengine airplane recently acquired by the operator. The flight departed with full fuel tanks, completed a 5-hour aerial observation portion, and began the return to the destination airport.
Engine Power Loss
About 15 miles from the destination airport, the left engine fuel warning light illuminated. Within a few seconds, the right engine stopped producing power. The pilots attempted to restart the engine and turned the airplane toward an alternate airport that was closer. They then turned on the electric fuel pump; the right engine began surging, and soon after, the left engine stopped producing power. Both electric fuel pumps were set to the low setting, and both engines continued to surge as the pilots continued toward the alternate airport.
Forced Landing and Stall
When the airplane was about 3 miles from the alternate airport, both engines lost total power. The pilots elected to land on a highway. While a few feet above the ground, power returned briefly to the left engine, causing the airplane to climb and begin to roll. The commercial pilot pulled the yoke aft to avoid a highway sign, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.
Damage and Fuel Status
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Both pilots reported that the fuel gauges indicated 20 gallons of fuel remaining on each side when the engines stopped producing power. However, the flight instructor noted that there was no fuel in the airplane at the time of the accident. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site confirmed that both fuel tanks were breached and there was no evidence of fuel spillage.