Flight History
The flight originated from Albermarle, NC, where the pilot had last fueled the aircraft on the previous day. The pilot's primary fuel source was Albermarle, 50 miles from Burlington. The flight itinerary included Burlington, Teterboro, and a return to Burlington, with an estimated total flight time of 4 hours 32 minutes.
Fuel Consumption and Management
Fuel burn was calculated at 361 gallons, while usable fuel was 384 gallons. After the accident, 24 gallons were recovered from the right center tank. The right fuel transfer pump was found in the off position. Without the pump operating, 28 gallons become unusable. The pilot had purchased 361 gallons for N110LT on February 8, 1990, and chose to fuel at Albermarle due to lower prices. No fuel spillage occurred at the scene.
Accident Sequence
The pilot transmitted on unicom that he was on final for runway 24. Subsequently, the airplane experienced a double fuel starvation power loss, impacting nose low with trees and terrain about 2.6 miles from that runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engines, propellers, fuel pumps, and other related components revealed no significant discrepancies. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the double engine power loss due to fuel starvation, the pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives by not engaging the right fuel transfer pump, and the inadvertent stall during the forced landing approach. A factor was the pilot's failure to refuel before adequate fuel reserves were exhausted.