On February 5, 1987, a Cessna 182 (registration N5312B) operated by Jerry S. Low was involved in an aviation accident near Paxson, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot took off at night and encountered instrument conditions, failing to unlock the direction gyro until entering clouds. The aircraft crashed 32 miles from departure due to fuel exhaustion; automotive fuel was used without approval and spark plugs were fouled.
Flight History
A private pilot departed on a night flight and soon encountered instrument meteorological conditions. According to the investigation, the pilot had not unlocked the directional gyro until the aircraft entered the clouds. The aircraft subsequently crashed approximately 32 miles from the departure point. The probable cause was determined to be fuel exhaustion.
Fuel and Mechanical Findings
Examination revealed that automotive fuel had been used in the aircraft without a supplemental type certificate (STC). The top spark plugs were found covered in soot, despite having been cleaned just prior to the flight. Only a small amount of fuel was present in the right wing fuel tank at the accident site.
What happened in the 5 Feb 1987 Cessna 182 accident near Paxson, AK?
A private pilot took off at night and encountered instrument conditions, failing to unlock the direction gyro until entering clouds. The aircraft crashed 32 miles from departure due to fuel exhaustion; automotive fuel was used without approval and spark plugs were fouled.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Feb 1987 involved a Cessna 182, registration N5312B, operated by Jerry S. Low, at Paxson, AK.
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