# NTSB ANC91LA024: Piper PA-28-140, N6152W, Talkeetna, AK, February 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 4, 1991, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Talkeetna, AK
- Coordinates: 62.450798, -149.790435 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.4508&lon=-149.7904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5516
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5516/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA024

## Probable cause

WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO THE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT.

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED, WHILE ENROUTE BACK TO HIS HOME AIRPORT, HE COULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE LOCAL LANDMARKS.  AFTER BEING ASSISTED BY FAA ATC, THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE RAN OUT OF FUEL.  THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA 600 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6152W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6152W), registered now, S/N 28-20171, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2820171
- Airframe hours: 4319
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jay Walker
- Registered owner: April A. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000, 78 hours before
- Departed: CDV, CORDOVA, AK
- Destination: ANC, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Airport: TKA, Talkeetna, runway 18, 3,500 × 75 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 161 total, 40 in this make and model, 99 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 10 °F, dew point 1 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19910204002429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910204002429A), Feb 4, 1991: Piper PA28140, Talkeetna, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot reported ran out of fuel at 7000 AGL 10 miles from airport. Tried to make runway 18 but crashed 200YDS short.

## Other investigations on N6152W (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA67D0276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA67D0276), Apr 9, 1967: Piper PA-28 (N6152W), Stevensville, MT, substantial damage

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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