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Fuel Siphoning Leads to Engine Failure and Forced Landing on River (N4443R)

Mulchatna River, AK, US

On September 20, 1989, a Cessna 185 (registration N4443R) was involved in an aviation accident near Mulchatna River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot noted fuel siphoning before departure but continued, leading to engine power loss en route. A forced landing on a swift river resulted in the floatplane nosing over after being swept into a tree.

Summary

Before departing from an unnamed lake, the pilot observed that fuel had siphoned from the fuel tanks. Despite this, the pilot believed there was sufficient fuel to reach Port Alsworth, Alaska. During the flight, the engine lost power, necessitating a forced landing on a swift-moving river.

Narrative

Upon landing, the river current swept the floatplane backward into an overhanging tree. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over. The sequence of events began with the pilot's decision to proceed after noticing fuel loss on the ground.

Witness Statement

A person at the departure point reported that just prior to the flight, they saw fuel dripping from the wing and a fuel slick on the water. This observation corroborated the fuel siphoning noted by the pilot.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 1989 Cessna 185 accident near Mulchatna River, AK?

A pilot noted fuel siphoning before departure but continued, leading to engine power loss en route. A forced landing on a swift river resulted in the floatplane nosing over after being swept into a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 185, registration N4443R, at Mulchatna River, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: LOSS OF FUEL THAT HAD SIPHONED (LEAKED) FROM THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE TAKEOFF AND TREE(S) OVERHANGING THE FAST MOVING RIVER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29279. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.