Accident Sequence
The aircraft, which had not been flown for several years, was on a ferry flight to another location. While cruising at 7,500 feet, the pilot decided to begin using auxiliary fuel. Shortly after moving the fuel selectors to the auxiliary position, both engines lost power and could not be restarted. The pilot executed a forced landing on a road. During the landing roll, the wings struck posts and mailboxes, and the aircraft subsequently hit a dirt bank. Both occupants escaped uninjured.
Investigation Findings
Fuel samples taken from the aircraft after the accident underwent visual examination, which revealed obvious contamination and discoloration. The aircraft had received an annual inspection just before the flight.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, compounded by an inadequate annual inspection by maintenance personnel and an inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot.