Accident Overview
The aircraft, operating on an air taxi freight flight, crashed during an ILS approach following a loss of engine power. The pilot was the sole occupant and sustained serious injuries.
Sequence of Events
During the approach to runway 23 at approximately 550 feet, the left engine fuel pressure warning light illuminated and the left engine lost power. The pilot then opened the crossfeed valve. Shortly thereafter, the right engine fuel pressure warning light illuminated, followed by a loss of power on the right engine.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the aircraft's fuel system has a single fuel gauge for the entire tank system, requiring activation of a selector switch to determine fuel quantity in any given tank. The pilot's action of selecting crossfeed without closing the fuel shutoff valve allowed fuel to be diverted from the previously operative right engine, resulting in fuel starvation and loss of power.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified the following causes: Loss of engine power (partial) due to fuel exhaustion on the left engine; loss of engine power (total) due to fuel starvation on the right engine, compounded by the pilot-in-command's lack of understanding of emergency procedures and improper training by the company/operator. This led to an in-flight collision with terrain during the approach.