A report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has found low fuel levels caused a plane to lose control and crash, killing two people on the New South Wales mid-north coast in 2017.
Pilot Grant Burley and his girlfriend Suzanne Rohleder were killed when the Cessna 310 tried to land at a private airstrip near Kew, south of Port Macquarie, on October 28.
The report found that shortly after the plane began its descent the left engine lost power and the right engine was operating on limited power.
The ATSB said after losing power at a low altitude a safe flying speed was not maintained, causing the plane to lose control and crash.
"The loss of engine power was probably the result of either insufficient fuel for the flight or an in-flight fuel management error," the report said.
No evidence was found to indicate any mechanical issues.
The aircraft was returning from a private flight to Toowoomba in Queensland.
Investigations found the aircraft was not refuelled before undertaking the return trip.
"It is possible that there was sufficient fuel for the return flight, as anticipated by Mr Burley, and that examination of the wreckage failed to identify any leaks," the report said.
The report also stated it was possible Mr Burley did not recognise any engine issues until landing began, or he believed there was enough fuel for a successful landing.
Mr Burley had over 3,200 hours of flying experience prior to the accident.
Key safety messages
ATSB chief commissioner Greg Hood said pilots should be aware that responding to power loss in aircraft varies, depending on the number of engines.
Power loss accidents in twin-engine aircraft were half that for single engine aircraft, however a power loss accident in a twin-engine aircraft was more likely to be fatal due to loss of control, the report noted.
"Regardless of the configuration, in order to maximise the survivability outcome it is imperative that the pilot retains control of the aircraft and maintains a safe airspeed," Mr Hood said.
"Where the aircraft's performance degrades to the point that continued safe flight is not possible, the pilot must shift their focus to conducting a forced landing."
Mr Hood also stressed that pilots need to follow recognised fuel management practices.
