Preflight and Fuel Concerns
During the preflight inspection of an airplane scheduled for a maintenance flight, the pilot turned on the electrical power and observed the fuel gauge indicating 80 gallons. The airplane has a maximum fuel capacity of 156 gallons, and the pilot calculated that 113 gallons were required for a legal flight. He requested the fixed base operator (FBO) to top off the fuel tanks, but the ramp technician informed him that the tanks were already full and no additional fuel was needed. The pilot then removed the fuel cap and noticed fuel in the filler neck, prompting him to assume the tanks were full. He did not push open the anti-siphon fuel valve to determine whether the tanks were actually full or if residual fuel was pooled on top of the valve.
Engine Start and Flight
Upon starting the engines, the pilot observed the fuel gauge flickering and suspected a malfunction. Despite this, he proceeded with the departure to the maintenance base. After approximately two hours of flight, both engines lost power. The pilot was unable to reach the nearest airport and executed an off-field landing in a cotton field.
Post-Accident Examination
After landing, the airplane rolled into trees, causing the left wing to separate from the fuselage. Substantial damage was sustained to both the left and right wings. According to the FBO fueler, she had driven to the airplane on the morning of the accident to fuel it. After removing the single fuel cap, she observed fuel on top of the anti-siphon valve. She used her finger to push down the valve and felt fuel, leading her to believe the airplane was full and did not need additional fuel.
During the accident, both wing fuel bladders were breached, and a minor amount of fuel leaked onto the ground. Personnel from the company that recovered the wreckage stated that there was no fuel in the fuel tanks when the airplane was recovered. The fuel quantity transmitter was sent to the manufacturer for examination; testing revealed no anomalies with the unit.
Analysis and Probable Cause
Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot erred in his assessment of the airplane's fuel quantity prior to departing on the accident flight, and that the available quantity of fuel was exhausted, resulting in the total loss of engine power and the subsequent forced landing.