Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Following Clock Reset and Fuel Gauge Error (N80769)

Spokane, WA, US

On April 9, 1982, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N80769) operated by Larry S. Baker was involved in an aviation accident near Spokane, WA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A forced landing occurred on a street after a student pilot/copilot reset the aircraft clock, causing the pilot to believe there was more flight time, and the fuel gauge erroneously showed fuel in an empty tank. The left wing struck a mailbox and the right landing gear was sheared off by a culvert.

Narrative

A student pilot or copilot reset the aircraft clock in anticipation of a time zone change expected during the flight. This action caused the pilot to believe there was an additional hour of flight time available. Consequently, a forced landing became necessary. The forced landing was a direct result of the pilot's miscalculation of remaining flight time. After the forced landing, the fuel gauge was found to indicate fuel in the right tank, even though all fuel had been drained from that tank.

The forced landing took place on a street. During the landing, the left wing collided with a mailbox, damaging the wing. Additionally, the right landing gear struck a concrete culvert, causing the gear to be sheared off from the aircraft.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing from the mailbox collision. The right landing gear was sheared off due to impact with the concrete culvert.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Apr 1982 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Spokane, WA?

A forced landing occurred on a street after a student pilot/copilot reset the aircraft clock, causing the pilot to believe there was more flight time, and the fuel gauge erroneously showed fuel in an empty tank. The left wing struck a mailbox and the right landing gear was sheared off by a culvert.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Apr 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N80769, operated by Larry S. Baker, at Spokane, WA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02603. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.