The pilot reported that after departure in a float-equipped Stinson 108-3 from a remote lake in Lime Village, Alaska, as the airplane climbed to about 150 feet above ground level, all engine power was lost.
He switched the fuel selector to the reserve tank. The engine momentarily regained power, but after about 15 seconds, it again lost all power.
The pilot made a forced landing into tree-covered terrain, during which both wings and the empennage sustained substantial damage.
The post-accident examination revealed the reserve fuel tank was leaking fuel, and the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel.
After the accident, the pilot told investigators he was trying to fly with minimum fuel to conserve weight, and he could have had more fuel onboard.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing in tree-covered terrain.
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This September 2024 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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