Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12S near Igiugig, AK — 2023-08-05

Final reportANC23LA060
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Date
2023-08-05
Location
Igiugig, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12S
Registration
N2262G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was about 8 miles from his destination when the engine began to run rough and the power began to surge. He confirmed the fuel selector was set to both tanks, adjusted throttle and mixture, checked the magnetos and primer, and he pulled the carburetor heat on. As he turned to line up for an off-airport landing, the engine regained full power but then resumed a steady power loss until it lost all power. The landing gear contacted a deep hole in the tundra during the landing and the airplane veered right 90° before coming to a complete stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed both the left and right fuel tank contained no usable fuel. After adding fuel to the fuel tank, the engine performed normally with no abnormalities observed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have checked fuel levels before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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