Accident Details
A multi-engine airplane was completing the first leg of an IFR flight. Established on final approach about 5 miles from the airport, the pilot encountered visual meteorological conditions and canceled the IFR flight plan. Shortly thereafter, the right engine began to sputter and then lost power. The pilot moved fuel selector valves to various positions and activated the fuel boost pump to high flow. During these actions, the left engine also lost power. Attempts to restart both engines were unsuccessful.
Forced Landing and Impact
During the forced landing, the airplane struck a pole and then crashed into a condominium. A fire erupted following the impact. All four occupants of the airplane survived. Two occupants inside the condominium received minor injuries.
Pilot Actions and Passenger Observations
The pilot reported believing that he had moved the fuel selector valves to the auxiliary position for about one hour during the flight. However, passengers stated that they did not see him move the fuel selectors until after the engines lost power.
Investigation Findings
The right fuel selector handle was found positioned between the right main tank and off positions. The left fuel selector handle was destroyed by the post-impact fire. The official probable cause was determined to be the pilot's improper use of the fuel selector and subsequent fuel starvation.