Incident Overview
On 26 June 2017, an aircraft departed Burketown for Normanton with insufficient fuel. During descent into Normanton, the right engine failed as fuel in the right main tank was exhausted. The pilot temporarily restored power by cross-feeding fuel from the left main tank, but shortly thereafter the left main tank also emptied, resulting in dual engine failure.
Refueling Error
On 15 June 2017, the aircraft was refuelled with 200 L of fuel, but 400 L was recorded as delivered. The pilot did not detect the discrepancy in the fuel delivery receipt and entered 400 L into the aircraft fuel log. Refuelling procedures did not require a cross-check to verify the amount of fuel provided, and the error was not noticed by the refueller until the end of the day. Although an attempt was made to communicate the error, it was not ultimately conveyed to the pilot or the operator.
Subsequent Flights
Over the following 11 days, the aircraft completed several flights operated by two pilots. The discrepancy between the calculated and actual fuel on board was not detected during this period.
Pre-flight Checks
Prior to the flight on 26 June, the fuel log indicated 248 L on board. The pilot verified this using the aircraft fuel gauges, which showed the tanks about one quarter full. At that time, actual fuel on board was approximately 48 L. The fuel calibration card indicated that a one-quarter-full reading corresponded to 170 L, matching the calculated fuel (248 L) more closely than the actual amount (48 L), likely reinforcing the pilot's belief that the fuel log was accurate.
Engine Failure Sequence
The aircraft departed with insufficient fuel for the flight to Normanton. During descent, the right main tank was exhausted, causing the right engine to fail. The pilot momentarily sustained engine operation by cross-feeding fuel from the left main tank. However, soon after cross-feed was selected, the left main tank also emptied, and both engines failed.