Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during descent.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed with an estimated 5 gallons of fuel, and had begun his descent to his destination airport when the engine lost all power. He established best glide speed and made a forced landing to an open stretch of road. The airplane touched down hard, spun 180 degrees, and came to rest in a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there was very little fuel found in the fuel tanks during recovery of the wreckage and that he believes he may have run out of fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA050 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 3, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chugiak, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SNOWYRIVER SPECIAL
- N-number
- N207CW
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.