Twin Otter DHC-6
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 500; Flight Crew Total 3300; Flight Crew Type 20
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Human Factors
Pilot took off for an 18 minute flight for skydivers with 200 LBS of fuel per side indicated (400 LBS total). At 10;000 FT; the left engine fuel flow gauge began to fluctuate which could be confirmed audibly. Pilot flying switched fuel to right fuel tank which resulted in stable fuel flow indications. At 12;000 FT both engines flamed out. Climb attitude had been maintained. Engines were secured and feathered. All jumpers exited and landed safely. Aircraft proceeded to runway and conducted an emergency spiral descent over the runway before landing safely. Pilot flying had less than 20 hours in type. At the time of the failure; fuel gauges were both indicating 100 LBS.
DHC6 pilot with minimal experience in type on a skydiver mission; ran the aircraft out of fuel; got the jumpers out; feathered the engines; and made a successful dead stick landing.