On April 17, 1983, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1827A) operated by Vince Morrison was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to takeoff, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot executed a forced landing after exhausting fuel, having taken off with the selector on an empty left tank containing automotive gasoline residue.
What happened
The aircraft collided with a tree during a forced landing and subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported that he initiated takeoff with the fuel selector positioned in the left tank. A visual inspection of the left tank revealed no usable fuel, only residual amounts.
The investigation
A test of the remaining fuel indicated the use of automotive gasoline. No other mechanical failures were cited as contributing factors.
Findings
The pilot exhausted fuel by taking off with an empty tank containing inappropriate fuel type.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to takeoff, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.
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