Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Tree During Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N145RL)

Redding, CA, US

On April 30, 2007, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N145RL) operated by Jeff Iverson was involved in an aviation accident near Redding, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with a tree during a forced landing on a residential street after losing engine power on approach. Investigators found no fuel in the tanks and blue staining below the fuel strainer drain.

Accident Details

The airplane experienced a loss of engine power while on approach for landing. The pilot attempted to land on a residential street. During the landing ground roll, the left wing collided with a tree.

Investigation Findings

Recovery personnel noted that no fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks. Fresh blue staining was evident on the belly area below and behind the fuel strainer drain outlet. The pilot reported that the airplane's fuel tanks had been filled the day preceding the flight but could not provide fuel receipts.

Performance Data

The airplane's performance specifications indicate that at 3,000 feet, with 75 percent power and best power mixture, the airplane cruises at 73 miles per hour and achieves a fuel consumption of 4.4 gallons per hour. The fuel capacity is 12 gallons. The straight-line distance between the departure and destination airports was 146 nautical miles. The airplane landed 4,500 feet short of the airport.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070627X00821. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.