Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a low fuel level annunciation while en route during a flight in clear sky conditions with no moon, horizon, or terrain features visible. Within two minutes of the warning, the left engine shut down, followed shortly by the right engine. The pilot requested vectors from air traffic control to the nearest airport.
Sequence of Events
While approaching the airport at approximately 2,000 feet above the runway, the runway lighting system turned off. The pilot was unable to reactivate the lights and relied on terminal and ramp lighting to maneuver the airplane toward the runway. After touchdown, the aircraft veered off the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Subsequently, the pilot informed a first responder that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation, and that he had run out of fuel.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot’s improper fuel planning for a cross-country flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and subsequent impact with terrain.