N5114H

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-14S/N: 14-120

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 26, 2010
NTSB Number
ANC10CA079
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Event ID
20100831X43523
Coordinates
62.493610, -150.289993
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

A faulty fuel quantity indication in-flight, which precipitated a precautionary off-airport landing, and collision with a road sign.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
14-120
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1948
Model / ICAO
PA-14PA14
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-14

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
REINTS RYDELL J
Address
4695 W AIRPARK DR
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99623
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot was on a personal cross country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot said he had fueled the airplane prior to take off, but the indications of the electric fuel gauges made him believe the airplane was losing fuel. He thought the airplane would not make it to the nearest airport, and he elected to make a precautionary landing on a state highway, which was the only suitable landing site in the remote area. He said both fuel gauges were reading empty, and traffic on the road made him land farther down the road than anticipated. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a road sign. He said the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, elevator, and right wing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC10CA079