Friday, June 26, 2026

Fuel starvation: Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub (Danchini Cub), N794AK, accident occurred on November 24, 2025, near Wasilla, Alaska

  • Location: Wasilla, Alaska
  • Accident Number: ANC26LA007
  • Date & Time: November 24, 2025, 14:00 Local
  • Registration: N794AK
  • Aircraft: Danchini Aero Danchini Cub
  • Aircraft Damage: Substantial
  • Defining Event: Fuel starvation
  • Injuries: 2 None
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202049/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=202049

The pilot stated that prior to takeoff he moved the fuel selector valve from left fuel tank to the both position. Shortly after takeoff the engine lost all power, unable to return to the runway the pilot performed a forced landing onto a road. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings.

After the accident, the pilot realized he mistook the fuel selector handle for the indicator and misinterpreted the position the fuel selector was in. He had actually turned the fuel to the off position prior to takeoff, not the both position as he believed he had. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, and inadequate inflight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and subsequent forced landing.

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