Incident Summary
The aircraft was completing a day VFR flight from Durham Tees Valley Airport to Denham Airfield. As the pilot turned onto the final approach for Runway 06, the right engine ran down. The pilot attempted to increase power on the left engine, but it did not appear to respond. Airspeed decayed, the right wing dropped, and the aircraft descended into a wooded area short of the runway. All occupants on board were seriously injured.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the flight. The aircraft was fully serviceable, and weather conditions were suitable and not a factor. However, the aircraft was operated initially above the maximum takeoff weight of 5,150 lbs and throughout the flight was outside the aft center of gravity limit of 157.2 inches aft of datum. With the payload being carried, the aircraft could not safely complete the round trip without refueling at Durham Tees Valley. Insufficient fuel was carried for adequate reserves and contingency. The pilot had consumed alcoholic beverages during the day, but the effect on decision-making and handling was not determinable.
During the approach, the fuel crossfeed was used, which was not permitted. The selection of crossfeed from the left tank to the right engine was probably the cause of the right engine running down, due to insufficient fuel contents in the left tank for the crossfeed pick-up. The crossfeed emergency shutoff control was pulled but did not contribute to the accident.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by fuel starvation of both engines: the right engine ceased producing power, and the left engine operated at reduced power or stopped. Control was lost when airspeed decayed and the aircraft stalled, dropping the right wing.
Factors included operation outside weight and balance limits, insufficient fuel reserves, and unauthorized use of the fuel crossfeed system.