Background
The pilot flew the accident airplane the day before the incident. On the morning of the accident, after landing, she ordered fuel for the airplane. While exiting the airplane, another pilot informed her that he had heard a "popping noise" coming from one of the engines.
Preflight and Run-up
The pilot elected to taxi to a run-up area to conduct an engine run-up. The fuel truck arrived at the run-up area, but the pilot chose not to refuel at that time and proceeded with the run-up. No anomalies were noted during the run-up, and the airplane was taxied back to the ramp and parked.
Departure and Inflight Events
The pilot returned to the airport later that day. She did not re-order fuel for the airplane and did not recall checking the fuel tanks during the preflight inspection. After departure, while in cruise flight, she noticed the fuel light on the annunciator panel flickering. Checking the fuel gauges, she observed less than 100 pounds of fuel per side indicated. The pilot declared low fuel with Columbia Approach Control controllers and requested a diversion to the nearest airport, Orangeburg Municipal.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
The controller cleared the pilot for a visual approach to the airport. As she turned the airplane for final, the left engine lost power, followed by the right engine. The pilot executed a forced landing into trees about 1/4 mile from the approach end of runway 36. After exiting the airplane, she telephoned 911 emergency operators using her cell phone. The pilot stated that she did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane before the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found that the fuel tanks were not ruptured and no fuel was present in the fuel tanks.