Forced landing of twin-engine aircraft following dual engine failure

No fatalities • Memphis, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing on a sandbar after both engines failed during an instrument approach due to fuel exhaustion.

What happened

During an instrument approach, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of fuel pressure in the left engine, which subsequently led to engine failure. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the rear right tank, which successfully restarted the left engine.

However, approximately two miles further into the approach, the right engine failed, followed shortly by the failure of the left engine. With both engines inoperative, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a sandbar.

Findings

Post-accident inspection of the aircraft determined that the fuel tanks had not sustained any ruptures or leaks. The investigation concluded that the engines failed because the fuel tanks were empty, indicating a state of fuel exhaustion during the approach.

Probable cause

The engines failed because the aircraft ran out of fuel during the instrument approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-11-07 Douglas DC-3 accident near Memphis, United States of America?

A pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing on a sandbar after both engines failed during an instrument approach due to fuel exhaustion.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-11-07 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-11-07 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration N59316, operated by McNeely Charter Service, at Memphis, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed because the aircraft ran out of fuel during the instrument approach.

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