Accident Overview
The pilot departed in a twin-engine airplane carrying an unknown quantity of fuel and with a fuel quantity indicating system that was known to be inaccurate. Witnesses reported hearing "surging" engine noise as the airplane passed overhead about half a mile beyond the departure end of the runway, and one witness described a "radical" turn back toward the airport.
Witness and Radar Observations
Two witnesses stated that only one engine was running and that it was "revving," then would stop before revving up again. Radar data showed the airplane at 93 knots at 700 feet and 1 mile from the runway, then at 90 knots at 500 feet and half a mile from the runway. The airplane crashed prior to reaching the approach end of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a pre-accident mechanical malfunction. The fuel system had a capacity of 226 gallons, was serviced through a single port on top of the left wing, and the tanks were interconnected to a center fuel sump that fed both engines. The fuel cells were opened through access panels and each was intact and contained only trace amounts of fuel. The airplane was leveled, the drain petcock was opened at the center fuel cell sump, and 1 quart of fuel was drained.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.