NTSB Factual Report

On July 14, 2002, at 1600 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-31-325, N27626, registered to A.E. Cleland Construction, Inc. and operated by a commercial pilot, collided with trees and subsequently the ground following a loss of power in both engines, in Weaverville, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and instrument flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight departed Ridgeland, South Carolina, at 1430, en route to Greeneville, Tennessee, on July 14, 2002.

According to the pilot, during cruise flight, at 12,000 feet mean sea level, the right engine lost power and stopped. The pilot reported the loss of engine power to the Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center. The pilot was instructed by the controller to turn towards the Ashville Regional Airport, in Ashville, North Carolina. As the pilot maneuvered the left engine lost power, and quit. The pilot was directed by the controller to highway 19 and 23. The airplane collided with trees short of the highway.

Examination of the airplane found damage to the leading edge of both wings, forward cabin area and the empennage. Further examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty, and there were no visible signs of fuel leakage at the accident site. The pilot reported departing with approximately 90 gallons of fuel on board. According to PA-31-325 specifications, the standard fuel quantity is 183 gallons, and the optional fuel capacity is 237 gallons.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning of fuel to complete the flight that resulted in the exhaustion of the fuel supply.