Accident Overview
A night cross-country flight ended in a forced landing after both engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft struck a permanent elevated static display on airport property and came to rest upright. The pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
Pilot's Preflight and Fuel Management
The pilot reported that the airplane was "topped off" with fuel before departure. A preflight inspection was performed, but the pilot did not have a headlamp and used only a cellular phone. The pilot typically verified fuel levels at night by feeling inside the fuel tank with a finger, but recalled not verifying the fuel level in the right main fuel tank before the accident flight. During the first half of the flight, fuel consumption was higher than normal due to operating the engines slightly rich and using the heater. The pilot transferred fuel from auxiliary tanks and the left side locker tank to the main tanks while en route. After the final transfer, the pilot calculated adequate fuel including reserve, but noted that indicated fuel levels were lower than expected.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
Shortly after being cleared for a visual approach at the destination, the right engine lost total power, followed by the left engine. At the time of initial power loss, gauges indicated approximately 30 pounds (about 4.84 gallons) of fuel remaining on the left side and 30 to 35 pounds (about 4.84 to 5.65 gallons) on the right side. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the right wing impacted a static display.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the right wing.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of power to both engines.