On February 13, 1992, a Piper PA-18A-150 (registration N3877P) operated by John Clark was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF THE AIRPLANE; THEREBY EXHAUSTING THE FUEL SUPPLY PREMATURELY. FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF A SUITABLE FORCED LANDING AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot, unable to land due to fog, returned to Lake Hood airstrip. On final approach, he reported an engine failure and was forced to land in a residential area, striking a house and a tree. Post-accident examination found no measurable fuel in the tanks.
Incident Details
The pilot, unable to land at his intended destination because of fog, returned to the Lake Hood airstrip. While on a three-mile final approach, he reported an engine failure and stated he would have to land to the west. The aircraft did not reach the lake and was forced to land in a residential area, where it struck a house and a tree.
Fuel System Investigation
Investigators conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft's fuel system. They found that the fuel tanks did not contain any measurable amount of fuel. Additionally, there was no evidence of fuel odor near the aircraft, and the snow surrounding the landing site showed no discoloration that would indicate fuel had been present. The carburetor was disassembled and examined; no residual fuel was detected in the carburetor bowl or in the associated fuel lines.
What happened in the 13 Feb 1992 Piper PA-18A-150 accident near Anchorage, AK?
A pilot, unable to land due to fog, returned to Lake Hood airstrip. On final approach, he reported an engine failure and was forced to land in a residential area, striking a house and a tree. Post-accident examination found no measurable fuel in the tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 1992 involved a Piper PA-18A-150, registration N3877P, operated by John Clark, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF THE AIRPLANE; THEREBY EXHAUSTING THE FUEL SUPPLY PREMATURELY. FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF A SUITABLE FORCED LANDING AREA.
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