Incident Overview
A night cargo flight operating from Detroit, Michigan, to Saint Louis, Missouri, encountered a critical emergency when both engines failed during the flight. The pilot notified air traffic control of the dual power loss and was subsequently vectored toward Canton-Plymouth-Mettetal Airport for an emergency landing.
Sequence of Events
While approaching the airport under nighttime conditions, the pilot reported no visual contact with the terrain. Shortly thereafter, control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane entered a stall and crashed at a location several miles from the intended landing field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was destroyed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant onboard, was injured in the accident.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a double engine failure in flight resulting from fuel exhaustion. Several contributing factors were identified, including mismanagement of fuel, improper in-flight decisions, an improper level off, and inadequate preflight preparation. The sequence involved a forced landing off airport after being vectored to an alternate airport due to low fuel, with both engines failing before the runway came into sight.