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Precautionary Landing at Nunapitchuk Results in Hard Touchdown and Runway Veer-Off (N54272)

Nunapitchuk, AK, US

On December 5, 1996, a Piper PA-31 (registration N54272) was involved in an aviation accident near Nunapitchuk, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were: the low fuel condition, which led to a single engine landing, and the crosswind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a precautionary landing at Nunapitchuk following a right engine shutdown due to fuel exhaustion, the aircraft touched down hard and veered off the runway after nose wheel contact.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an airplane reported that after the right fuel tanks emptied, the right engine was shut down. A decision was made to conduct a precautionary landing at Nunapitchuk.

Landing Sequence

During the landing, the aircraft touched down hard. The initial landing roll was straight until the nose wheel contacted the ground. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot stated that a direct crosswind of 15 knots was present from the left at the time of the landing.

The pilot provided this account of the events. No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or injuries were included in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-31 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1996 Piper PA-31 accident near Nunapitchuk, AK?

During a precautionary landing at Nunapitchuk following a right engine shutdown due to fuel exhaustion, the aircraft touched down hard and veered off the runway after nose wheel contact.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1996 Piper PA-31 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Dec 1996 involved a Piper PA-31, registration N54272, at Nunapitchuk, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were: the low fuel condition, which led to a single engine landing, and the crosswind condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07124. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.