What happened
While climbing to an altitude of 22,000 feet, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of power as both engines ceased operation within a few seconds of each other. In the attempt to perform an emergency landing, the aircraft type collided with trees on the ground.
Findings
An investigation of the wreckage and engines revealed that there were no mechanical malfunctions present in the powerplants. However, the fuel system was found to be depleted, with only minimal traces of fuel remaining in the flow dividers and the fuel injector servos of both engines.
Technical examination of the wing fuel tank caps identified that the o-rings were hardened and exhibited flat spots. Furthermore, the force required to open the cap tabs was significantly lower than specified; the tabs opened with only 8 and 3 lbs of force, whereas the type certificate holder requires a minimum of 16 lbs.
While the pilot operating handbook mandates that the tension of these fuel cap tabs be verified during preflight inspections, there was no documentation in the airframe logbook to confirm that the annual inspection requirement—which includes checking these tabs—had been performed. The investigation concluded that improperly sealed fuel caps contributed to the loss of fuel.