June 12, 2007, in Ludlow, Calif., Cessna 340A

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in the desert at about 1530 Pacific time following dual loss of engine power. The Private pilot and sole occupant received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight had departed about 30 minutes before the accident.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in the desert after a dual loss of engine power.
  • The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.
  • The engine power loss occurred about 15 minutes into the flight after the pilot noticed erratic fuel gauges, having not visually inspected the fuel tanks before departure.
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The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in the desert at about 1530 Pacific time following dual loss of engine power. The Private pilot and sole occupant received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight had departed about 30 minutes before the accident.

The pilot reported filling the main and auxiliary fuel tanks a few days before the accident flight but did not visually inspect the tanks before departure. About 15 minutes into the flight, he noticed that the fuel gages were “erratic.” Subsequently, both engines lost power. The pilot made a forced landing in the desert alongside Interstate 40.

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