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NTSB Report
May 12, 2023 · Dennis D Downs CCK-1865 · N3151
Sterling, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sterling, AK
Aircraft
Dennis D Downs CCK-1865 (2015)
Tail Number
N3151
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC23LA034
During an interview, the non-certificated pilot reported that he departed from a private airstrip without conducting a preflight inspection and was unaware of how much fuel was in the airplane. After departure the engine lost all power. The pilot turned the airplane back to the airstrip but did not have the altitude, and subsequently the airplane impacted trees along a road. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage during the accident sequence. The non-certificated pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. During recovery of the airplane the non-certificated pilot reported that there was no fuel in either fuel tank and he suspected the airplane ran out of fuel.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
During an interview, the non-certificated pilot reported that he departed from a private airstrip without conducting a preflight inspection and was unaware of how much fuel was in the airplane. After departure the engine lost all power. The pilot turned the airplane back to the airstrip but did not have the altitude, and subsequently the airplane impacted trees along a road. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage during the accident sequence. The non-certificated pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. During recovery of the airplane the non-certificated pilot reported that there was no fuel in either fuel tank and he suspected the airplane ran out of fuel.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDennis D Downs CCK-1865
Tail NumberN3151
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsEsci · 0340 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 F / 34 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC