On March 18, 1992, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N111TY) operated by Timothy J. Young was involved in an aviation accident near Hull, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND INFLIGHT PLANNING, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND HIS FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, WHICH RESULTED IN A LONG LANDING AND COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot, having been briefed on headwind conditions, departed with 4 hours of fuel. Approaching his destination, he chose to land on a lake due to low fuel, but the engine quit en route, resulting in a substantial damage collision with terrain.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was briefed on headwind conditions before departing for his destination. He departed with an estimated 4 hours of fuel onboard. As he approached the destination, the pilot spotted a lake and decided to land his amphibious airplane there, citing a lack of fuel.
Engine Failure and Landing
En route to the lake, approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes into the flight, the engine stopped. The pilot subsequently landed long, and the airplane collided with terrain on the far shore of the lake, resulting in substantial damage.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the airplane revealed only half an ounce of fuel remaining in the fuel system.