What happened
During the initial leg of an instrument flight rules (IFR) mission, the pilot of a multi-engine airplane transitioned to visual flight rules after encountering clear weather approximately 5 miles from the destination airport. Shortly after canceling the IFR flight plan, the right engine experienced power loss. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot manipulated the fuel selector valves and activated the fuel boost pump to a high-flow setting. During these recovery efforts, the left engine also failed, leaving the aircraft without propulsion.
Following the loss of both engines, the pilot attempted to restart the motors but was unable to do so. The aircraft was forced into an emergency landing, during which it struck a utility pole before crashing into a condominium structure. The impact triggered a post-crash fire. Despite the severity of the collision, all 4 occupants of the aircraft survived the event. Additionally, two individuals located within the condominium sustained minor injuries.
Findings
Investigation into the engine failure revealed discrepancies regarding the fuel system configuration. The pilot indicated that the fuel selector valves had been set to the auxiliary position for roughly one hour prior to the incident, though passengers reported they did not observe any valve movements until after the engines had already lost power. Physical inspection of the wreckage showed the right fuel selector handle was positioned between the off and right main tank settings. The left fuel selector was rendered uninspectable due to damage from the subsequent fire.