Primary finding
Probable cause
the improper fuel selector position by the pilot-in-command which resulted in fuel starvation. A factor was rough/uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While in cruise flight the airplane sustained a loss of power on both engines. The pilot-in-command stated he attempted to regain power, but was unable to do so and therefore conducted a forced landing in a field. After the accident he found that he had selected the fuel selector in the wrong position and that the airplane had suffered fuel starvation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 9, 1994, at 1725 eastern daylight time, a Beech D18S, N666S, registered to Gateway Air Service of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and piloted by a commercial pilot, experienced a loss of engine power. During the forced landing near Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the airplane sustained substantial damage. Both the pilot and second pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 repositioning flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight originated from Waterloo, Iowa, at 1500. The pilot-in-command stated that while in cruise flight the airplane sustained a loss of power on both engines. After attempts to reestablish power failed, a forced landing in a rock strewn field resulted in the collapse of the main landing gear and substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot-in-command said that after the accident he found that he had selected the fuel selector in the wrong position and the airplane suffered fuel "starvation." -