Incident Overview
The pilots flew to Lawrence, Massachusetts, to refuel for their return flight to the West Coast. During refueling, the fuel truck malfunctioned and stopped after pumping approximately 221 gallons into the aircraft. The pilots were warned about possible fuel contamination but reported that sump samples did not reveal abnormal amounts of water.
Fuel Contamination
After departing Lawrence, the pilots observed erroneous fuel totalizer indications during a low-altitude flight to Burlington, Vermont, where they topped off the fuel tanks. During cruise at flight level 410, the left engine low fuel pressure light illuminated. Sometime later, the left engine lost power, followed by a loss of power in the right engine. Numerous restart attempts on both engines and the auxiliary power unit were unsuccessful.
Engine Failure and Crash
The pilots maneuvered toward the nearest airport but were unable to visually identify the runway in time to land on it. The aircraft touched down in a field, striking an irrigation structure and trees. Post-accident examination revealed water-contaminated fuel in the fuel tanks, fuel filters, and throughout the fuel system.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot in command's inadequate planning/decision making and inadequate preflight inspection after receiving a load of contaminated fuel. Related factors included the contaminated fuel, improper refueling by FBO personnel, and dark night light conditions.