What happened
During the approach phase to Phoenix Airport, the aircraft suffered a total loss of power as both engines ceased functioning at the same time. In response to the loss of propulsion, the pilot initiated a descent to a lower altitude and sought an alternative landing site several miles away from the destination airfield.
The crew attempted an emergency touchdown on unpaved terrain. Upon impact, the aircraft landed on its belly, sustaining damage that rendered the airframe a total loss. Despite the severity of the impact, the pilot was able to exit the wreckage without any injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified fuel starvation as the primary factor leading to the dual engine failure. The investigation revealed that the pilot had failed to adhere to established emergency protocols and did not follow approved operational procedures during the crisis. Specifically, it was noted that the pilot could not remember adjusting the fuel selector following the initial loss of power.
Additional contributing elements included:
- The presence of wet and soft ground at the landing site
- An empty left auxiliary tank
- The destruction of the right auxiliary tank
- The separation and subsequent combustion of the aircraft's tip tanks