No fatalities

Engine Power Loss Forces Air Taxi Flight to Make Emergency Landing on Tundra (N1453V)

Aniak, AK, US

On July 14, 2004, a Cessna 172M (registration N1453V) operated by Inland Aviation Serv was involved in an aviation accident near Aniak, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airline transport pilot made an emergency landing on tundra after the engine lost power during an air taxi passenger flight. FAA inspection revealed no usable fuel in either wing tank, and the pilot had not verified the fuel quantity.

Incident Overview

An airline transport pilot conducting an air taxi passenger flight experienced a loss of engine power, necessitating an emergency landing on tundra-covered terrain. The airplane sustained minor damage during the landing. The flight had completed four takeoffs and landings and covered approximately 160 miles.

Post-Accident Inspection

An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and found no usable amount of fuel in either wing tank. There were no signs of fuel leakage or spillage. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot stated that he had added fuel prior to departure but did not observe the actual amount of fuel in the tanks.

Pilot Report

In his written report to the NTSB, the pilot did not indicate any mechanical problems with the airplane. When the airplane was subsequently refueled, it started and ran without difficulties.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 2004 Cessna 172M accident near Aniak, AK?

An airline transport pilot made an emergency landing on tundra after the engine lost power during an air taxi passenger flight. FAA inspection revealed no usable fuel in either wing tank, and the pilot had not verified the fuel quantity.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jul 2004 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1453V, operated by Inland Aviation Serv, at Aniak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040727X01071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.