By way of clarrification that was why I specifically said some sort of visual check. In other words on most types there is a visual level which will give you a pretty good idea of the physical quantity but I agree on some types this can be literally full or not possible at all but they are few and far between. Even the 42 has a special gauge to measure the fuel physically.
Very similar accident in 2013 near Bordeaux, B90C, but no casualties:
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Took off on fumes and landed in the vineyards !
Look at the picture:
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Abstract from BEA’s report (French NTSB):
“Flight from Bordeaux Leognan Saucats airport (LFCS) to Sarlat airport (LFDS). 15mn after take-off, at an altitude of 2000ft, pilot notices fluctuating Fuel Flow on right engine. He contemplates diversion to Sainte Foye La Grande (LFDF). Few moments later both engines die. Pilot extends landing gear using emergency procedure and lands amidst vineyards, sideways from rows direction. Undercarriage breaks upon reaching ground. Aircraft, slowed down by wires, stops in 50 meters. On the ground, it is noticed that all 4 tanks are empty.”
Aircraft owner is a company: Air Chateau ;-)
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As I read on this blog:
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The morale of this story could be “better a fully loaded pilot than an empty tank”
