If I were asked to speculate on this unfortunate event based on what we (think) we know now with respect to this potential fuel indication issue, I would propose the following:
- In cruise flight
- Fuel level OK, no fuel low indications
- One engine flames out due to fuel starvation
- Pilot reacts to engine failure (immediate steps, secure engine, etc)
- Pilot also tries to assess why engine quit with no warning
- Perhaps even attempts at restart
- Left hand busy doing due diligence cockpit duties related to above
- Second engine then also quits with no warning (still no fuel warning lights)
Such a scenario certainly could explain why a fully competent and contientious pilot might be so distracted that he might be unable to effectively (promptly) respond to dual engine failure. Losing both would not be at the top of my "what could possibly happen today?" list.
Until the investigation is complete and the various switch/valve/engine/gearbox/sensor conditions are known, it's only speculation, but I do strongly suspect the pilot had to be faced with multiple contradictory conditions/indications.
You overlooked a major subject with your proposals: The red FUEL LOW warninglight is independant from the fuel indication and the yellow FUEL cautionlight, therefore youre #2 is wrong.
skadi