Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Emergency Landing and Collision (N919VC)

Incident Overview and Engine Performance Issues Following takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 1,500 feet before the pilot reduced the engine RPM to 3,000. Within seconds of this adjustment, the left engine began to sputter. The pilot activated the fuel boost pump in an attempt to restore full power. Shortly after, the right engine also sputtered and lost power. The pilot then engaged the right engine boost pump, but all efforts to restore normal engine operation failed. The pilot recalled that while preparing for an emergency landing, the aircraft yawed left and right as the engines momentarily gained and lost power. ## Collision and Post-Accident Examination The aircraft ultimately collided with the tops of several trees before striking a single-family home adjacent to a lake. A thorough examination of the airframe and engine assemblies revealed no mechanical malfunctions or component failures. However, an inspection of the fuel system recovered only approximately 2.5 pints of fuel. The pilot had reported believing there were about 50 gallons of fuel at the time of departure. ## Official Findings The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the pilot's inadequate preflight planning regarding the fuel required for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power to both engines.