Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot ran out of fuel in a Piper Warrior attempting a non-stop flight from Utica, New York, to Columbus, Ohio.
  • The incident was attributed to significant 50-knot headwinds, which led to higher-than-planned fuel consumption.
  • Despite tower assistance, the pilot couldn't reach an airport, ultimately reflecting on the inadequate fuel planning: "I should have picked up a little more fuel."
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

A pilot tried to fly non-stop from Utica, New York to Columbus, Ohio in a Warrior with 50-knot headwinds. This was from a May 16, 2002 preliminary NTSB report:

N12345:
“I’m, ah, out of fuel.”

Tower:
“Roger, sir. Which airport do you want to try for?”

N12345:
“I set up a glide here. Ah – damn.”

Tower:
“Three Four Five, just tell me which airport you want to go to, sir, and we’ll, ah, start getting everything ready.”

N12345:
“Can you vector me in?”

Tower:
“I can’t, ah, vector – you want a vector for Rickenbacker?”

N12345:
“No – ah, I don’t think I’m going to make either of them.”

Tower:
“Yes, sir. Just state your intentions, and we’ll go from there.”

N12345:
“I should have picked up a little more fuel.”

Anonymous
via e-mail

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