On August 16, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N5198A) operated by Anderson, Stephen A. was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG, AND THE PILOT BECOMING LOST/DISORIENTED. 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.
Pilot told flight service he had five minutes of fuel and was unsure of his position due to fog. He reported an airstrip in sight and attempted to land, last stating he was descending fast.
Background
During a flight, the pilot contacted flight service personnel and communicated that he did not know his geographic position. The pilot cited fog obscuring the ground as the reason for his confusion. He further stated that the flight had approximately five minutes of fuel remaining.
Communication
The pilot explained that he was searching for a break in the overcast cloud layer through which he could descend. His intention was to descend and land on the nearest available runway. Subsequently, the pilot reported that he had spotted an airstrip and was going to attempt to land on it.
Final Moments
In the last known communication from the pilot, he stated that the airplane was still under power, that he was conserving fuel, and that he was descending fast.
What happened in the 16 Aug 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Big Lake, AK?
Pilot told flight service he had five minutes of fuel and was unsure of his position due to fog. He reported an airstrip in sight and attempted to land, last stating he was descending fast.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5198A, operated by Anderson, Stephen A., at Big Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG, AND THE PILOT BECOMING LOST/DISORIENTED.
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