Accident Overview
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power on both engines during an aerial survey flight, leading to a forced landing on a service road. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with three vehicles and a metal traffic light pole, resulting in separation of the right wing and aft fuselage.
Flight Details
Before departure, the pilot reported that the aircraft was fueled with 142.4 gallons of 100 low-lead fuel, and that the fuel tanks contained 236 total gallons of fuel before takeoff. The local aerial survey flight was conducted at 16,500 ft mean sea level and lasted approximately 5 hours. The pilot did not complete a detailed fuel burn calculation or a weight and balance calculation for the flight.
Emergency Landing
At the end of the survey mission, about 10 miles from the destination airport, the pilot observed low fuel indications. Subsequently, both engines experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a right 90° turn away from the airport and selected a service road for a forced landing.
Aftermath
After the accident, the pilot stated that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion. During wreckage recovery, approximately 3 gallons of fuel were drained from the left wing tanks, while the right wing tanks were found empty. It is likely that the aircraft did not contain 236 gallons of fuel before takeoff, and the pilot was unaware of the actual fuel onboard due to inadequate preflight planning and preflight inspection.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.