ANC95LA116

The pilot reported he was low on fuel because of stronger than forecast head winds. He declared an emergency to air traffic control, and subsequently decided to descend through an overcast to search for an off-airport landing site. The engine stopped during the descent, while in the clouds. The pilot found a sandy, muskeg like area for an emergency landing after breaking out of the clouds. The airplane's left wing struck the ground during the forced landing.

On July 8, 1995, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N1426U, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing on a sandy, muskeg like area located approximately 12 miles north of Kotzebue, Alaska. The solo, instrument rated private pilot was not injured. The majority of the 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. A VFR flight plan was filed. The flight departed Barrow, Alaska, about 1300.

During an interview with the pilot on July 28, 1995, the pilot stated he was en route to Kotzebue, Alaska, from Barrow, Alaska. He said he encountered stronger than forecast head winds while en route, and realized the airplane was low on fuel. He said he contacted the Anchorage FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center, and declared an emergency. He subsequently allowed the airplane to descend into the underlying cloud layer in search of an off- airport landing site. Prior to reaching visual flight conditions, the engine ran out of gas. The pilot made a forced landing on a sandy/muskeg area, striking the airplane's left wing on the ground in the process.

The pilot initially reported no preimpact mechanical anomaly with the airplane. He said the engine ran out of gas because he was airborne too long and did not refuel. The pilot also stated his departure time was 1300 from Barrow.

In his written report to the NTSB dated August 4, 1995, the pilot stated his departure time from Barrow was 1315. He also wrote that a mechanic had found a carburetor "problem." The mechanic's statement (attached), notes that the four bolts on the carburetor bowl were loose, and that the locking tabs were not locked. The pilot also noted in his report that the airplane had 38 gallons of fuel aboard prior to departure. According to figures provided by the pilot, he was airborne either 4:15 hours, or 4:30 hours prior to the accident.