Incident Summary
A pilot reported that prior to departure, he was under the impression that the inboard fuel tanks of his airplane had been topped off, and that he had 202 gallons of fuel on board. He had a standing order with the airport's fixed base operator to top the tanks; however, the fueling was not performed. The pilot did not visually check the fuel level before departure. He entered 202 gallons into the cockpit fuel computer and unknowingly began the flight with only 61 gallons.
Forced Landing and Outcome
Before reaching his planned destination, the fuel supply was exhausted. Both engines lost all power, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a cemetery approximately one mile from the airport. The pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage and determined that damage to the wings and fuselage was substantial. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane's fuel system, resulting in him commencing the flight with an inadequate fuel supply.