What happened
On March 29, 2013, a Beechcraft 90C King Air, registration N90KH, departed from Sarlat-Domme for a training flight in the Bordeaux region. After performing a precision approach and a missed approach at Bordeaux-Mérignac, the pilot transitioned to VFR flight to land at Bordeaux-Léognan-Saucats. After dropping off a passenger, the pilot departed again for Bergerac, where refueling was planned.
Approximately ten minutes into the flight, at an altitude of roughly 2,0-00 ft, both engines ceased operation. The pilot attempted to reach a nearby field but was unable to do so, resulting in a forced landing in a vineyard near Sainte-Radegonde. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and the landing gear was torn from the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the fuel state of the aircraft and the discrepancy between the pilot's planned fuel and the actual quantity on board. Investigators found that the aircraft had been refueled with 800 liters of fuel in Limoges two days prior. Since that refueling, the aircraft had completed several flights involving multiple takeoffs and landings, which increased fuel consumption.
Analysis of the aircraft's fuel gauges showed they indicated approximately 800 lbs (roughly 450 liters) at the time of departure from Sarlat. The pilot had prepared the flight using online resources, which incorrectly suggested a fuel quantity of 840 liters was available. Furthermore, the pilot did not perform a visual check of the fuel levels before departure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the dual engine failure was fuel exhaustion caused by a confusion between metric and imperial units (liters and pounds).
- The pilot believed the 800 lbs indicated on the gauges represented 800 liters, which would have provided sufficient endurance for the flight.
- The actual fuel remaining was approximately 450 liters, which was insufficient for the intended mission.
- The pilot failed to perform a visual verification of the fuel quantity prior to takeoff.
- The flight duration was extended by an unplanned missed approach at Bordeaux-Mérignac, further depleting the remaining fuel.