Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Archerfield for Caboolture via the light aircraft lane west of Brisbane, flying in company with another aircraft. Approximately five minutes after departure, the pilot radioed that both engines were experiencing problems and declared an emergency. The pilot of the accompanying aircraft suggested suitable forced landing areas near a golf course, but the aircraft continued, slowly losing altitude before rolling inverted and diving steeply into the ground.
Witness Observations
Ground witnesses reported hearing loud backfiring and fluctuating engine RPM from the aircraft, accompanied by erratic rolling and yawing. The aircraft then rolled left, inverted, and struck a large tree, severing the right wing outboard of the engine before crashing onto a road.
Investigation Findings
Wreckage examination revealed that the fuel selectors for both engines were set to the auxiliary tank positions, causing each engine to draw fuel from the corresponding auxiliary tank in each wing. The aircraft had been refueled to full main tanks prior to the flight. The pilot had advised an engineer in a telephone conversation before the flight that the contents of both auxiliary tanks were 60 litres or less. All fuel tanks except the left auxiliary tank were ruptured during the impact; about one litre of fuel was recovered from that tank.
Engine examination indicated that the right engine was under power at impact while the left engine was not. The mechanical condition of both engines suggested they were capable of normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the pilot did not use a written checklist, operated the aircraft with the auxiliary tanks selected when their fuel contents were low, and failed to conduct a forced landing. These factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident.