Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's inadequate fuel calculations.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot-in-command stated he felt the airplane ran out of fuel. Examination of the airplane wreckage showed no fuel in the tanks and no fuel odor present.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 18, 1993 at 1730 Alaska daylight time a float equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N7627A, registered to and operated by the Pilot-in-Command, experienced a loss of power and was forced to land in the brush approximately 70 miles West of Anchorage, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Telequana Lake and the destination was Lake Hood in Anchorage. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The Pilot-in-Command and his one passenger were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. According to the Pilot-in-Command, he refueled the airplane at Alegnigig and flew to Bethel and then to Telequana Lake. While enroute through Merrill Pass the engine stopped producing power. The Pilot stated it was similar to fuel starvation. He stated he felt the airplane ran out of gas. Examination of the airplane by a mechanic showed no noticeable fuel level in the tanks and no fuel odor on the ground. -