19980511046109A

(.4)The airplane had been flown about 3 hours and 50 minutes since being refueled and was observed on approach to the airport. A witness stated the airplane appeared to be right of centerline and about 200 feet above the trees, when its descent rate increased and it descended wings level into the trees. No pre-impact damage was found to the engines and the propeller blades sustained minimal scratching. The main tanks and auxiliary tanks had ruptured and there was no evidence of fuel in the vicinity of these tanks. Approximately 11 1/2 gallons of fuel was drained from the right wing locker fuel tank and the wing locker fuel transfer switch was found in the off position. The left engine fuel selector valve was in the left auxiliary position and the right engine fuel selector valve was in the left main position; however, the valve was found in the right main position and the push pull rod was bent at the point of impact damage on the wing. Fuel controls for both engines displayed no fuel and the screens were clean. (-23) acft. IFR from ckb to ash - after acft was out of IMC on approach, pilot was cleared visual to land on runway 14 ash - tower controller and grou ND personnel observed aircraft dropping behind trees - aircraft contacted the ground approx 1 1/2 mi short of threshold runway 14 ash - 11 1/2 gal fuel remaining in rt. Locker tank, - bothe aux and main tanks ruptured (lt&rt), very little to no evidence of fuel in area tanks & engine.