Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing on a road too narrow for the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was returning from a local flight when he intentionally ran the right fuel tank dry. After switching fuel tanks, he attempted to restart the engine, but the attempt was unsuccessful. During an emergency landing on a narrow road, the right wing impacted brush and trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC16CA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sterling, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J5A
- N-number
- N35589
- 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.