What happened
The private pilot and a passenger were conducting an approach to the Wasilla Airport in Wasilla, Alaska, when the aircraft's engine suddenly lost power. In an attempt to reach a paved street located approximately three-quarters of a mile short of the runway, the pilot executed a sharp 180-degree turn. During this maneuver, the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed just before reaching the road.
The investigation
On-site examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on an empty fuel tank. Despite the engine running out of fuel from the selected tank, the opposite tank contained ample fuel at the time of the accident. Additionally, it was determined that the pilot's certificate had been suspended due to non-compliance with biennial flight review and aircraft annual inspection requirements, issues stemming from a previous accident in September 1987.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this incident was fuel exhaustion caused by the selection of an empty fuel tank. The pilot's inability to maintain controlled flight after the power loss led to a stall and crash. The suspension of the pilot's certificate indicates prior regulatory non-compliance, though the direct mechanical cause was the mismanagement of fuel supply.