Incident Overview
An aircraft was en route at an altitude of 31,000 feet when the low pressure fuel filter warning light illuminated. The pilot initiated a diversion toward Columbia, Missouri. However, before reaching Columbia, both engines lost power. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed approximately two miles east of the airport.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident investigation revealed that the fuel was contaminated with water. The fuel filter deicing system was operational, but a post-accident examination found that the deicing tank was empty. This was the second flight since the deice tank had been serviced. According to manufacturer information, the supply tank should have provided approximately three to four hours of filter deicing operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be inadequate preflight by the pilot(s), water contamination of the fuel, low level of deice fluid (methanol) in the deice tank, and subsequent ice blockage of the fuel filters. Darkness was cited as a related factor.