PIPER PA 12

Full Narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane was transporting hunters to a remote cabin. The flight was a multi-leg flight and consisted of about 146 miles. The flight departed with about 20 gallons of fuel for the 2.5 hours of flight time, and about 36 minutes for fuel reserve.

The pilot reported that visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed during the flight, but he noted that due to low stratus clouds and rain showers, he diverted from his planned flight path. He added that on the last leg of the flight, the unanticipated head wind component was about 15-25 mph. About 2 miles from his destination, fuel exhaustion occurred, and the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot deviated from his destination to the copper river to execute a forced landing. While on the base to final leg on landing approach, the headwind changed to a tailwind, and the airplane landed in a left wing low orientation.

A postaccident exam of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.