Incident Summary
A pilot experienced repeated engine power loss during a flight to Spruce Creek Airport. The pilot had initiated a fuel transfer due to a fuel imbalance, using the crossfeed system to transfer fuel from the left to the right tank. While descending from 12,500 feet and about 5 to 10 miles from the airport, the pilot made a left turn and both engines ceased operating. When the wings were leveled, both engines restarted automatically.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the fuel gauges indicated 300 to 350 pounds in the right tank and 100 to 150 pounds in the left tank. He decided to continue the approach. While entering a left bank for a left base to runway 23, both engines stopped again. The pilot believed he could not reach the runway and chose to land on a taxiway. After leveling the wings, both engines restarted near the beginning of the taxiway. As the pilot prepared to land, a car entered the taxiway and stopped on the centerline. The pilot applied power to avoid the car and initiated a climb. During a climbing left turn, both engines ceased operating a third time. The airplane descended toward a cluster of condominiums. With no runway or clear area visible, the pilot directed the airplane to a retention pond.
Investigation Findings
Examinations of the airframe, flight controls, engines, accessories, and propellers were conducted by an FAA inspector and technical representatives from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Hartzell Propeller Company. No pre-accident anomalies were found. According to the FAA inspector and the Raytheon representative, the pilot was transferring fuel from the left to the right tank. With reduced fuel in the left tank, left turns caused the engines to cease operating. The Raytheon representative noted that the Pilot Operating Handbook specifies the use of crossfeed only when the airplane is operating on a single engine.
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate management of the airplane's fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation, a loss of engine power, a forced landing, and damage to the airplane during the landing.