Casualties unknown

1994-12-27: Grumman American AA-1A (N9457L) — Edward Oleksy — Lancaster, NY

Lancaster, NY, US

On December 27, 1994, a Grumman American AA-1A (registration N9457L) operated by Edward Oleksy was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL TO RETURN TO THE HOME AIRPORT AFTER PROCEEDING TO AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT AND MAKING A MISSED APPROACH. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departing Buffalo for Pittsburgh encountered traffic delays, diverted to Latrobe, returned to Buffalo, then lost engine power and made a forced landing in a field near Lancaster. Examination showed empty fuel tanks.

Flight Plan and Diversions

The pilot departed Buffalo, New York (airport identifier 9G0) at approximately 1900 Eastern Standard Time, with a destination of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT). After encountering traffic delays at PIT, the pilot decided to proceed to the alternate airport, Latrobe, Pennsylvania (LBE). While approaching LBE, the pilot executed a missed approach due to weather conditions. Subsequently, the pilot decided to return to the departure airport at 9G0.

Loss of Engine Power

During the approach to 9G0, the engine began losing power. The pilot then diverted to Lancaster Airport (D77).

Forced Landing

At approximately 2234 Eastern Standard Time, before reaching the runway at D77, total power was lost. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field.

Post-Landing Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks were empty.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02793. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.