Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was in level cruise flight when the engine lost power, resulting in an off-airport emergency landing. During the emergency landing, the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot stated that he had exhausted all the fuel from the right tank. When the engine lost power, he switched to the left fuel tank but could not restart the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA112 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Gold King (AK7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-12
- N-number
- N4483M
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.