Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of power in both engines.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The solo, single engine rated pilot reported that, two days prior to the accident flight, the multi-engine airplane's fuel tanks were filled (123 gallons). During the taxi to the runway, the right main tire went flat. During recovery, the right main tire was placed on a dolly to move the airplane. The airplane fuel system was such that when one side of the airplane was raised, the fuel can transfer to the opposite tank which then forced fuel to be released out of the overflow vent.
The day of the accident, the pilot completed his preflight and confirmed the fuel quantity visually by checking both fuel gauges "green". While en-route, after about three-hours into the flight and about 17 miles from starting the approach to the destination airport, the rear engine lost power. Before attempting a restart, after verifying the correct engine to feather, the front engine also lost power. Unable to make the nearest airport, the pilot landed the airplane in a grass marsh with the landing gear retracted. During the landing, the airplane veered right about 90°, and the left wing impacted the terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA070