Accident Summary
Shortly after takeoff, a pilot requested an 'immediate downwind' to return to the airport and was cleared to land. When asked if equipment was needed, he replied, 'negative, sir, a little matter of fuel.' A witness reported that the aircraft appeared very low on final approach with both propellers turning. The aircraft crash-landed short of the runway, went through a perimeter fence, and came to rest on an incline about 10 feet short of the runway. The pilot received a head injury and could not remember many details. In an early interview, he mentioned a partial power loss and that the aircraft yawed, but he could not recall which engine 'cut out first.' Later, he was unable to recall losing power.
Investigation Findings
Fuel measurements revealed six gallons in the left main tank and about 1.5 gallons in the right main tank. The left fuel selector was found in the 'main' position; however, due to damage and rescue activities, the position of the right fuel selector could not be determined. Both auxiliary pump switches were in the 'off' position. The left propeller control was in the feather position, but neither propeller had feathered. Each main tank held one gallon of unusable fuel. A blood test of the pilot showed 0.45‰ alcohol.
Investigation findings indicate that the loss of engine power was partial and non-mechanical, attributed to fuel starvation. Preflight planning and preparation were inadequate, and refueling was not performed. The pilot's decision-making was improper during the forced landing, and alcohol impairment was present.
Probable Cause
Loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical due to fuel starvation resulting from inadequate preflight planning and preparation, failure to refuel, and improper planning/decision-making, with impairment from alcohol.