Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion. A factor associated with the accident is the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he departed a lake with what he believed was sufficient fuel for the intended flight. En route, the airplane ran out of fuel and the pilot made a forced landing on a small, swampy lake, damaging the airplane's floats and wings.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 6, 1995, about 2308 Alaska daylight time, a float- equipped Champion 7GCB airplane, N9958Y, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing on a small lake/swamp located approximately ten miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska. The solo private pilot/registered owner of the airplane was not injured. The personal flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight departed Wien Lake about 2230. The pilot reported in his written report to the NTSB that he thought there was more fuel in the airplane than there was, and that he inadvertently allowed the airplane to run out of gas while returning from Wien Lake. He said he landed on a small swamp, and collided with trees during the landing. -