On May 17, 1988, a Cessna 185E (registration N1592F) was involved in an aviation accident near Tuntutuliak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply during flight, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent noseover. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot flying a Cessna 185 for the FAA ran out of fuel during a cross-country trip, forcing an off-airport landing that resulted in a noseover and substantial damage.
What happened
The pilot-in-command was operating a Cessna 185 aircraft on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration for business purposes. During a cross-country flight, the pilot exhausted the available fuel supply. In response to the emergency, he attempted an off-airport forced landing. The maneuver resulted in a noseover accident. A helicopter crew that arrived to rescue the pilot reported that the aircraft appeared to be substantially damaged.
The investigation
The investigation notes that the pilot failed to file the required accident report following the incident. The primary mechanical finding was limited to the visual assessment by the rescue crew, who observed substantial damage to the airframe after the noseover event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply during flight, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent noseover.
What happened in the 17 May 1988 Cessna 185E accident near Tuntutuliak, AK?
A private pilot flying a Cessna 185 for the FAA ran out of fuel during a cross-country trip, forcing an off-airport landing that resulted in a noseover and substantial damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 May 1988 involved a Cessna 185E, registration N1592F, at Tuntutuliak, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply during flight, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent noseover.
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