ATL95LA027

The pilot reported that he was to fly the airplane to another airport for a periodic spar inspection, which would require draining the fuel tanks. He estimated that there were 70 gallons of fuel on board prior to departure. Due to the design of the fuel tanks, a visual inspection was not possible. During the approach to the destination airport, the right engine quit, followed by the left engine. The airplane was force landed in a flood plain. An examination of the wreckage revealed no significant amount of fuel in the fuel system.

On December 11, 1994, at 1130 central standard time, an Aero Commander 500S, N9171N, made an emergency landing in the Loosahatchie River Flood Plain after the pilot experienced a loss of engine power on both engines near Millington, Tennessee. The flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Ripley, Mississippi, at 1100.

According to the pilot, the flight departed with an estimated 70 gallons of aviation fuel in the fuel system. He also stated that due to the design characteristics of the fuel system, a visual inspection of fuel quantity was not possible. The aircraft was being flown to Millington for a periodic spar inspection, which requires defueling of the wing fuel tanks. As the pilot entered the traffic pattern for the Charles Baker Airport, the right engine quit. The pilot turned away from the airport and selected another field. While maneuvering for the emergency landing, the left engine quit; an emergency landing was made to the wet area of the flood plain.

The engines were removed from the accident site by an airframe and powerplant mechanic. He reported that there was no significant amount of fuel in the aircraft fuel system, in the engine, or in the fuel lines to the engine.