SEA95LA066

The pilot reported that he was en route to an alternate airport because weather conditions were deteriorating along his route for his intended destination. While en route, the pilot stated that the right fuel tank ran out of fuel. The pilot switched to the left fuel tank which ran out of fuel a short time later. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a highway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with the median.

On March 12, 1995, at 1935 mountain standard time, N4359Y, a Piper PA-28-181, operated by Sportsman Airpark, Inc., Newberg, Oregon, impacted terrain during an emergency landing near Boise, Idaho, and was substantially damaged. The emergency landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The personal flight departed from Vale, Oregon, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to the pilot, the flight was en route to Hailey, Idaho when the pilot noted that the skies were darkening and the weather began to worsen. The pilot stated that the aircraft did not have fully operable cabin and instrument lights, and that he did not hold night flying privileges; therefore, he decided to turn back and fly to Boise. About 3 to 4 minutes after he turned back, the pilot stated that the "right tank ran out" of fuel. The pilot switched to the left tank, and it too "ran out of fuel" shortly thereafter. The pilot was vectored to Interstate 84 where an emergency landing was made. The left wing tip impacted the median and the airplane spun around. According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Boise, Idaho, the left wing was substantially damaged. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported.

The flight originally departed from Newberg, Oregon, with stops at Salem, Oregon, and Vale, Oregon.