On September 3, 1987, a Piper PA-12 (registration N4451M) operated by Danald E. Walter was involved in an aviation accident near Glennallen, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, exacerbated by strong headwinds and turbulence that increased flight time. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot ran out of fuel en route due to strong headwinds and turbulence, forcing an emergency landing on a highway that substantially damaged the aircraft.
What happened
The pilot reported that he exhausted his fuel supply while flying toward his intended refueling stop. Consequently, he executed an emergency landing on a highway, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. He explained that the enroute portion of his flight took significantly longer than expected because of strong headwinds and turbulence.
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that the pilot did not hold a current medical certificate or a biennial flight review at the time of the incident.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included strong headwinds and turbulence, which extended the flight duration beyond the available fuel supply. Additionally, the pilot's lack of a current medical certificate and biennial flight review were noted as regulatory deficiencies.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, exacerbated by strong headwinds and turbulence that increased flight time.
What happened in the 3 Sept 1987 Piper PA-12 accident near Glennallen, AK?
A pilot ran out of fuel en route due to strong headwinds and turbulence, forcing an emergency landing on a highway that substantially damaged the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 1987 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N4451M, operated by Danald E. Walter, at Glennallen, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, exacerbated by strong headwinds and turbulence that increased flight time.
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