What happened
On the day of the accident, the pilot had previously operated the aircraft type and had arranged for refueling. While disembarking the aircraft earlier in the day, the pilot was alerted by another pilot regarding a potential popping sound originating from one of the engines. In response, the pilot taxied to a run-up area to perform engine checks. Although a fuel truck arrived during this period, the pilot proceeded with the engine run-up without refueling. The checks revealed no mechanical issues, and the aircraft was subsequently parked at the ramp.
Upon returning to the airport later that day, the pilot began a flight without performing a fuel tank check during the preflight inspection and without requesting additional fuel. During the cruise phase of the flight, the pilot observed a flickering fuel light on the annunciator panel. A check of the gauges indicated that fuel levels had dropped below 100 pounds on each side. Following a declaration of low fuel to Columbia Approach Control, the pilot requested a diversion to Orangeburg Municipal Airport.
While executing a visual approach for the final leg of the landing, the left engine lost power, followed shortly by the failure of the right engine. The pilot performed a forced landing into a wooded area located approximately 0.25 miles from the approach end of runway 36. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft and contact emergency services via a mobile phone. No injuries were reported.
Findings
An investigation conducted by an FAA inspector determined that the fuel tanks had not been ruptured during the impact. However, the inspection confirmed that no fuel was present in the fuel tanks at the time of the accident.