# NTSB ANC85LA113: Piper PA-12, N4011M, Kenai, AK, June 30, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 29, 1985, 20:00 local (Jun 30, 1985, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: Kenai, AK
- Coordinates: 60.659954, -150.900848 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.6600&lon=-150.9008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4513
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4513/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA113

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - false indication (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE DEPARTED SEWARD. THE FUEL GAGES INDICATED THERE WAS APRX 15 GAL ON BOARD. ABOUT 5 MIN FROM THE INTENDED DESTINATION, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION WHILE THE LEFT FUEL GAGE SHOWED THERE WAS 5 GAL REMAINING. DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING, THE ACFT CRASHED INTO TREES. AN EXAM OF THE LEFT FUEL GAGE SHOWED THAT IT WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED & WAS INDICATING MORE FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE LEFT TANK. THE PLT HAD INSTALLED IT DURING RECONDITIONING WORK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4011M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4011M), registered now, S/N 12-2888, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-360-A1A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-a1a) (registry code 41594, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-2888
- Airframe hours: 1900
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lonnie Lee Scott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 10, 1984
- Departed: 5WD, SEWARD, AK
- Destination: NORTH KENAI, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 520 total, 330 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850629028589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850629028589A), Jun 29, 1985: Piper STCPA12, Kenai, AK, Substantial damage. Struck trees due to fuel exhaustion. Fuel gauge improperly installed by owner. Medical expired, biennial expired.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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