On September 26, 1982, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N353GL) operated by Robert Vincent was involved in an aviation accident near Arcata, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed a southbound aircraft at low altitude over the ocean shoreline. It made a sharp left turn toward land and crashed into trees on a bluff. Post-crash examination found no fuel in the main wing tank and only about one quart in the header tank.
Flight Details
The aircraft was engaged in a cross-country flight from the Klamath, California area to Hayward, California. On board were the pilot and a passenger.
Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying southbound at an altitude of 50 to 100 feet above the ocean shoreline. The aircraft then executed a sharp left turn toward land.
Accident Scene
The crash site was on a bluff approximately 20 feet above the beach, where the aircraft struck trees and brush while heading north.
Post-Crash Examination
During the examination of the wreckage, no fuel was found in the upper wing tank. The header tank contained approximately one quart of fuel. The aircraft's total fuel capacity is 27.4 gallons, with 0.7 gallons in the header tank considered unusable.