What happened
During a nighttime descent toward Twin Falls, the aircraft experienced a total loss of power as both engines ceased functioning at the same time. This sudden loss of thrust led to a significant reduction in airspeed and a subsequent loss of altitude. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot initiated an unplanned landing procedure. During this maneuver, the plane collided with utility cables before impacting a field covered in snow.
As a result of the impact, the pilot sustained injuries, and the airframe was determined to be a total loss due to extensive damage.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the primary reason for the dual engine failure was fuel exhaustion. Several contributing elements were noted in the official report, including:
- Inaccurate calculations regarding fuel usage
- Improper management of remaining fuel reserves
- The presence of high-altitude obstructions and power lines
- Impact with electrical wires during the descent