Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a loss of engine power during flight, leading to a gear-up landing on a golf course. The pilot had reported that during the preflight inspection, the fuel gauge indicated 65 gallons. However, the design of the airplane's fuel system prevented visual confirmation of the actual fuel quantity.
Sequence of Events
During takeoff, as the pilot reduced power for the enroute climb, the left engine began to surge and lose power. The pilot immediately turned left toward the airport and notified the control tower of a single-engine, straight-in approach. When the landing gear was lowered, the right engine also began to surge and lose power. The pilot declared an emergency and, recognizing insufficient engine power and altitude to return to the airport, retracted the landing gear and executed a no-flap, gear-up landing on a nearby golf course.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident examination revealed that when battery power was applied, the fuel gauge still indicated 65 gallons. However, only about half a gallon of fuel was recovered when the fuel system was drained. This indicated that the engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the fuel gauge to indicate the actual amount of fuel on board and the design of the fuel system, which precluded visual confirmation of the fuel level.