On April 23, 1988, a Cessna 337D (registration N86128) operated by Lee, Gary E. was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, 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.
A private pilot and flight instructor experienced dual engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during simulated instrument flight. The airplane struck trees during emergency descent, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.
Incident Details
A private pilot was practicing simulated instrument flight accompanied by his flight instructor in their mutually-owned airplane. During the flight, both engines ceased operation within minutes of each other due to fuel exhaustion. In the emergency descent that followed, the airplane struck trees before reaching the selected landing area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, neither pilot was injured.
Preflight and Fuel Status
The flight instructor performed the preflight inspection and visually examined the fuel tanks prior to departure. At that time, the tanks were less than full, but the instructor believed that an adequate amount of fuel remained for the intended flight.
Pilot Reports
Both pilots reported that the fuel gauges indicated one-quarter full at the moment the engines stopped.