Cessna 310/T310C
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 26; Flight Crew Total 2244; Flight Crew Type 169
Confusion; Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
I was cruising at 10;000 FT altitude to return from consulting out of town. I was between layers in a very dark sky. No stars; no ground lights.I was running the starboard engine on the nearly empty aux tank; waiting to change to main tank when the fuel pressure dropped.The engine lost power; I switched the tank fuel valve; engine stopped. I waited for the engine to regain power; but nothing happened. I couldn't see the prop as it was too dark. I assumed that it was windmilling as our training practice engine outs usually had difficulty stopping the windmilling.I concentrated on keeping wings level and the speed up. I gave full power to both engines. I did not feather as I knew that the engine should start up.Center called me stating that I was off course and had lost nearly 3;000 FT. I informed [Center] that I was having some difficulty. They asked if I needed assistance; or needed to declare an emergency. I said not now; I'll call if I need to. They informed me I was 10 miles from the nearest airport.I finally was able to see that the prop was stopped so I hit the starter and the engine started. I informed Center that I was going to climb back to 10;000 FT and continue.The remainder of the flight was normal.
A C-310 pilot intentionally ran a fuel tank dry but the engine did not restart after available fuel was selected. So; after losing 3;000 FT he used the engine starter to regain power and return to his filed altitude.