Accident Overview
A Part 135 night flight operated by two commercial-rated pilots ended in a crash after the aircraft experienced fuel starvation. The pilots had inadvertently failed to switch the fuel tanks from mains to auxiliary, leading to a total loss of engine power at low altitude. Insufficient altitude remained to restart the engines, and the aircraft impacted the ground. A post-accident fire destroyed the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Probable Cause Findings
Official investigation findings identified the following causes and contributing factors:
- Loss of engine power (total) – nonmechanical due to fuel starvation.
- Checklist not followed by the copilot/second pilot.
- Pilot in command.
- Improper fuel tank selector position by the copilot/second pilot.
- Inadequate supervision by the pilot in command.
- In-flight collision with terrain during the landing flare/touchdown phase.
- Unsuitable terrain condition.
Sequence of Events
The flight was conducted under Part 135 regulations at night. During the flight, the fuel tanks were not switched from mains to auxiliary. This resulted in fuel starvation, which caused a total loss of engine power while the aircraft was at low altitude. The pilots were unable to restart the engines due to insufficient altitude, leading to the ground impact and subsequent fire.