Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a pilot conducting a contract cargo flight under FAR 91 encountered icing conditions en route. After passing Dayton, the pilot reported a 'little fuel problem' and requested to reach Ohio State University (OSU) without delays. Shortly thereafter, the pilot stated the need to divert to the nearest airport and was vectored toward Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport (SGH). The pilot then reported losing one engine, followed by the other. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a residential area. No fire occurred, and only residual fuel was found aboard.
Operational Context
According to the company president, pilots were discouraged from carrying 'excess fuel.' The pilot involved, along with others, had reportedly been 'chewed out' for doing so. The operation should have been conducted under FAR 135, as the company retained operational control.
Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be fuel exhaustion precipitated by inadequate fuel consumption calculations performed by the pilot, pressure from the company president to not carry excess fuel, and improper in-flight planning/decisions by the pilot in not refueling en route before fuel was exhausted. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate surveillance and certification of the operator by the FAA.
Specific findings included:
- Inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot-in-command.
- Company-induced pressure from management.
- Inadequate surveillance of the operation by the FAA.
- Fuel exhaustion.
- Inadequate preflight planning by the pilot.
- Inadequate certification/approval by the FAA.
- Failure to refuel during flight.
- Inadequate in-flight planning/decisions.
The sequence involved a loss of engine power (total, nonmechanical) during descent, a forced landing, and an uncontrolled descent resulting in collision with terrain.