Introduction
A multiengine airplane experienced a dual total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during a flight conducted by a commercial pilot and a flight instructor rated check pilot. The aircraft, recently acquired by the operator, was on its first long-duration aerial observation mission.
Flight Details
The pilots departed with full fuel tanks and completed a 5-hour aerial observation portion of the flight before beginning the return to the destination airport. About 15 miles from the destination airport, the left engine fuel warning light illuminated. Within seconds, the right engine stopped producing power.
Engine Issues
After the right engine failed, the pilots attempted to restart it and turned the airplane toward an alternate airport that was closer. They then turned on the electric fuel pump, and the right engine began surging. Soon after, the left engine also stopped producing power. The pilots set both electric fuel pumps to the low setting, which caused both engines to continue surging but allowed them to continue toward the alternate airport.
Landing and Accident
When the airplane was about 3 miles from the alternate airport, both engines lost total power. The pilots elected to land on a highway. As they descended, at a few feet above the ground, power briefly returned to the left engine. This caused the airplane to climb and begin to roll. The commercial pilot pulled the yoke aft to avoid a highway sign, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The airplane then impacted trees and terrain.
Aftermath
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Both pilots reported that the fuel gauges indicated 20 gallons of fuel remaining on each side when the engines stopped producing power. However, the flight instructor noted that there was no fuel in the airplane at the time of the accident. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, both fuel tanks were breached and there was no evidence of fuel spillage.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident is a dual total loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion.