What happened
During an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance, the pilot notified approach control of an inability to sustain an altitude of 4,000 feet MSL, though no specific cause was initially provided. Shortly after this communication, the pilot reported that the right engine had experienced fuel starvation and the left engine had subsequently failed. Radar tracking showed the aircraft descending to 3,400 feet during this period. When questioned by air traffic control regarding the status of the engines, the pilot confirmed that the aircraft was in a gliding state with no remaining power.
Air traffic controllers provided directions to the closest airport, located roughly 4.5 nautical miles from the aircraft's position. However, as the aircraft descended below 2,100 feet, the pilot notified controllers that a successful landing at the airport would not be possible. The descent culminated in a forced landing through a residential neighborhood. During the sequence, the aircraft struck the top of a tree, passed over a house, and hit another tree. The flight path also involved striking a diagonal telephone wire and clearing additional wires running parallel to a street. The aircraft ultimately impacted a private home, which triggered a fire that caused damage to both the aircraft and the residence.
Findings
Post-accident investigations revealed that 10 gallons of fuel had been depleted from the left locker tank, which serves to supplement the left main tank. A technical inspection of the engines and the airframe found no mechanical or structural defects that would have hindered standard operation. Additionally, investigators noted that neither propeller had been feathered following the engine failures.