Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 56; Flight Crew Total 8400; Flight Crew Type 7500
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While in cruise on an international flight on an IFR Flight my aircraft experienced a total power loss. Review of gauges indicated fuel above 1/2 capacity in both tanks. Immediate attempt to restart was unsuccessful. I notified ATC of my power loss. ATC asked my intentions and I told them I wanted to land at an airport. ATC asked 'which airport'. I checked the location of airports on my GPS and requested [the nearest with services]. I made a turn towards airport and established best glide. I was also experiencing a 35 knot head wind as I made the turn towards the airport.I was instructed by ATC to maintain 4000 ft. I told ATC; I was unable to comply as I had a total power loss. During communications with ATC; I was continuing to attempt restart. Again I was told to maintain 4000 ft and contact another ATC sector. I again told ATC that I was unable to maintain 4000 ft due to total power loss and switched to a different ATC frequency.Upon contact; I requested RWY 25 and stated airport in sight. I was given another frequency change to the Tower and again attempted restart.This time I was able to gain partial power to the engine and landed safely on RWY 25. No injuries and no damage to the aircraft.Upon inspection of the aircraft on the ground the left fuel bladder had sucked up to the top of the filler tank giving an erroneous reading on the fuel gauge. Ultimately the cause of the power loss to the engine was fuel exhaustion in the left inboard tank. Approximately 55 gallons of fuel were still in other tanks on the aircraft. I was able to restart the engine due to switching tanks and giving sufficient time for the system to be primed.Contributing Factors were; Faulty Fuel gauge due to fuel bladder being sucked up against sending unit. Corrective Action O Rings in the cap are being replaced and all fuel tank vents have been inspected. The Fuel gauge is being checked for accuracy.Initial restart procedure was interrupted by ATC assigning the pilot a task of determining which airport I wanted to land. This task took my attention away from the restart procedure and I missed switching the fuel tanks during the first restart procedure.A second restart process was interrupted by ATC requiring me to maintain 4000 ft several times after I explained that I had a total power loss and was unable to maintain altitude. Only after switching frequencies; making contact with another ATC controller did I refocus my attention on the restart procedure and follow all steps for a successful restart.I as pilot failed to confirm fuel usage by estimated consumption and time and allowed distractions from ATC to cause me to interrupt my thought process during restart attempts. Corrective Action; I have installed an emergency checklist within easy reach of the pilot position to minimize future distractions.
The pilot of a BE36 reported a loss of engine power due to a fuel bladder collapse and fuel mismanagement. ATC did not comprehend the conditions and attempted to request an altitude that the pilot was unable to maintain. Power was eventually regained and a successful precautionary landing was made.