What happened
During the cruise phase of flight, the co-pilot was operating the aircraft type when the left engine experienced fluctuating fuel pressure and a momentary reduction in power. Suspecting a malfunction with the engine-driven fuel pump, the pilot transitioned the boost pumps to high and requested that the passenger, who was an aircraft mechanic, open the fuel cross-feed valve. As the flight progressed toward its destination, both engine fuel pressure gauges began to fluctuate.
Believing the engines were experiencing fuel starvation, the pilot took control of the aircraft and began a right turn toward a field located behind the aircraft's position. This maneuver was intended to avoid residential areas situated between the flight path and the airport. During this descent, both engines suffered a complete loss of power. While attempting the landing roll, the pilot briefly lifted the aircraft to avoid an initial ditch in the terrain, but the aircraft subsequently struck a second, larger ditch. The impact with the ground caused substantial damage to the fuselage.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the fuel system showed no leaks and no pre-existing mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. Although the fuel gauges provided erroneous readings after being tested with water, the investigation focused on the fuel quantity remaining in the tanks. Records indicated the aircraft had been refueled the previous day with 497.7 gallons.
- The pilot and crew did not visually confirm the fuel levels in the four main tanks prior to the flight.
- The pilot's estimated fuel consumption for the period since refueling was 485.9 gallons, yet calculations based on flight time and planned usage suggested a requirement of approximately 600 gallons.
- Fuel exhaustion was the primary cause of the engine power loss.
- The pilot had underestimated the total fuel required for the scheduled flight segments.