Accident Overview
During an instrument approach, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in the right engine. The pilot moved the right fuel selector to the left main tank and initiated emergency procedures. Shortly after breaking out of the overcast, the left engine also lost power. The captain noted decreasing fuel pressure and chose to land on tundra beside a road. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
During the approach phase, the right engine lost power for nonmechanical reasons. The pilot performed emergency steps, including switching the right fuel selector to the left main tank. After the aircraft emerged from overcast, the left engine also failed. The captain observed dropping fuel pressure and decided to land on tundra adjacent to a road. Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed no fuel in the aircraft. The captain reported that the left fuel cap was missing after the accident, but no fuel stains were visible on the wing.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified several contributing factors: improper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot in command; separation of the fuel system cap; siphoning of fuel; improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command; and fuel exhaustion.