Flight Details
A business flight departed Lavrentya, Russia, with an estimated 50 gallons of usable fuel onboard. The aircraft landed in Provideniya, Russia, approximately 40 minutes later with about 30 gallons remaining. During the stop, 30 additional gallons of fuel were added. The pilot stated that he normally departed Provideniya with 120 gallons of fuel but that no additional fuel was available at that time.
Fuel Management
The flight then departed Provideniya with what the pilot estimated to be 1 hour and 45 minutes of fuel endurance. The aircraft landed in Gamble, Alaska, on St. Lawrence Island approximately 25 minutes later. The pilot did not use a dipstick to verify the actual fuel quantity onboard after the stop. Additionally, the pilot did not check on fuel availability in Gamble before departing.
Engine Power Loss
After departing Gamble, the right engine lost power approximately 40 minutes into the flight, followed by the left engine losing power about 50 minutes after departure. The aircraft did not carry personal flotation devices for the passengers.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the probable cause of the incident was fuel exhaustion due to the pilot-in-command's improper preflight planning and preparation.