Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 12 near Gulkana, AK — 2017-08-26

Final reportGAA17CA511
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Date
2017-08-26
Location
Gulkana, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 12
Registration
N3233M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was transporting hunters to a remote cabin. The flight was a 146-mile multileg flight, which departed with about 20 gallons of fuel, which he believed was sufficient for the approximate 2-hour flight with about 30 minutes for fuel reserve. The pilot reported that visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the flight, but he noted that, due to low stratus clouds and rain showers, he diverted from his planned flightpath. He added that, on the last leg of the flight, the unanticipated headwind component was about 15 to 25 mph. About 2 miles from his destination, fuel exhaustion occurred, and the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot deviated from his destination to a river to execute a forced landing. While on the base-to-final leg on landing approach, the headwind changed to a tailwind, and the airplane landed in a left-wing-low orientation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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