PIPER J5A
Sterling, AK — August 25, 2016
Event Information
| Date | August 25, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC16CA058 |
| Event ID | 20160815X25932 |
| Location | Sterling, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 60.53083, -150.25861 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | J5A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing on a road too narrow for the airplane.
Full Narrative
The pilot was returning from a local flight when he intentionally ran the right fuel tank dry. After switching fuel tanks, he attempted to restart the engine, but the attempt was unsuccessful. During an emergency landing on a narrow road, the right wing impacted brush and trees, causing the airplane to turn towards the right and resulted in substantial damage to both wings.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.