The pilot and pilot-rated passenger reported that while in cruise flight, both of the Cessna 310’s engines experienced a partial loss of power.
The pilot selected an open field near Aurora, Colo., and made a forced landing.
Due to rough terrain, the plane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
The pilot stated that the reason for the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion, as he did not verify fuel quantity prior to departure.
He had requested his FBO to fill his main fuel tanks, which did not occur. The pilot noted he should not have assumed the fueling had occurred.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.
NTSB Identification: CEN14CA125
This January 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I hope they didn’t overcharge him for the fueling that didn’t occur. I guess he assumed that it would be for free just as he assumed the fueling had occurred! Either that or he left one heck of a tip for a very confused fueler.
Fuel exhaustion did NOT bring down the the 310
Gravity brought down the 310
Poor decision making allowed for gravity to not be offset by thrust…