What happened
A non-scheduled flight was traveling from Moosonee toward the Nemiscan Settlement when both engines ceased operation. During the initial stages of the flight, the pilot had configured the aircraft to utilize approximately 150 gallons of fuel stored in the rear tanks, while leaving only 10 to 15 gallons in each of the forward tanks. The engine power was set at roughly 28 inches of manifold pressure and 2050 rpm with an automatic lean mixture.
Approximately 50 minutes into the flight, the left engine experienced a total loss of fuel pressure, leading to engine failure. Despite efforts to rectify the issue by activating booster pumps and adjusting tank selections, the right engine subsequently lost all fuel pressure and failed as well. As the aircraft descended to an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the pilot determined that the Rupert River was unreachable. The crew performed a forced landing into a wooded area roughly 1000 feet from the river with the landing gear extended. The accident resulted in two severe injuries.
Findings
Post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed that the forward fuel tanks were completely depleted. Furthermore, investigators determined that no fuel had been consumed from either of the rear tanks during the flight, indicating that the engines ran out of fuel while the primary supply remained unused.