Incident Overview
While returning to home base after delivering revenue cargo, the pilot encountered a total loss of engine power in both engines. The cause was determined to be fuel exhaustion. In response, the pilot executed emergency procedures and prepared for a forced landing.
Forced Landing and Impact
The aircraft was directed toward a grassy field bordering a lake. During the landing, the aircraft first struck a tree and then the rocky berm of the shoreline. The impact with the berm caused the landing gear to detach. The aircraft then swerved and slid backwards before coming to rest approximately 150 feet from the lake's edge.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident investigation revealed that each wing tank contained less than 2 gallons of fuel. The official probable cause identified fuel exhaustion as the reason for the nonmechanical loss of engine power. Contributing factors included incorrect fuel quantity gauge indications, pilot inattentiveness, and poor planning and decision-making by the pilot.
Sequence of Events
- Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power (total, nonmechanical) during descent due to fuel exhaustion.
- Occurrence #2: Forced landing initiated during descent phase.
- Occurrence #3: In-flight collision with terrain (tree and berm) during the forced landing, resulting in landing gear collapse and aircraft damage.