Landing on I-81

wrbix

wrbix

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http://wcyb.com/news/local/small-aircraft-makes-emergency-landing-on-i-81
Appears from description and Flight Aware data most likely fuel exhaustion.
First day owning plane.
Flight Aware course is interesting: westbound, then brief 180, then resumed westbound, then seems to have tried unsuccessfully again to reach KVJI eastbound again.
Must’ve gotten lucky w traffic, I-81 through there is generally pretty congested.
Interesting they brought fuel truck from KVJI but seemingly wouldn’t let him fly out from interstate.
 
Eric Lehto said:
"it had a faulty gas gauge"

Wow, seems like a solid excuse.
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It passed with the VA Highway Patrol.....suspect will be less successful with the FSDO.
 
Curious why they refueled it before putting it on the truck.
 
Ravioli said:
Curious why they refueled it before putting it on the truck.
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Every good FBO wants their ramp attendants to meet the plane as soon as it lands. Gotta give this FBO credit for well trained staff that made the fuel sale under challenging off-site circumstances. I see an "Employee of the Month" award coming up for them. :D
 
Ravioli said:
Curious why they refueled it before putting it on the truck.
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My suspicion is that the pilot was trying to arrange to take off from the Interstate, until someone called the FAA and spoiled that fun.
 
That's close to home but I don't recognize the plane. Probably would have resulted in less traffic backup had they allowed him to take off from the interstate.
 
wrbix said:
My suspicion is that the pilot was trying to arrange to take off from the Interstate, until someone called the FAA and spoiled that fun.
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The FAA wouldn't care if you took off from the highway was probably the state or local police that said no.
 
FORANE said:
That's close to home but I don't recognize the plane. Probably would have resulted in less traffic backup had they allowed him to take off from the interstate.
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Pilot from Tazewell, TN....seems to have been first flight getting plane from Norfolk, VA to TN.
 
midlifeflyer said:
Is there an almost 60 year old 172 out there without a faulty gas gauge? :D
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The gas gauge in my plane is very accurate. :)

7103-001.jpg
 
It was only 268 NMs and he seemed to be making good time. I wonder if he failed to refuel after the 1 hr flight the day before - that would have put him over 4 hours in the air - a place I've never been personally.
 
wrbix said:
http://wcyb.com/news/local/small-aircraft-makes-emergency-landing-on-i-81
Appears from description and Flight Aware data most likely fuel exhaustion.
First day owning plane.
Flight Aware course is interesting: westbound, then brief 180, then resumed westbound, then seems to have tried unsuccessfully again to reach KVJI eastbound again.
Must’ve gotten lucky w traffic, I-81 through there is generally pretty congested.
Interesting they brought fuel truck from KVJI but seemingly wouldn’t let him fly out from interstate.
Click to expand...

If what the article said is true, he don't get no pat on the back from me for making a good landing and not bending the plane. But who knows. I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around "...The aircraft was re-fueled and taken on a flatbed tow truck to Virginia Highlands Airport..."
 
EdFred said:
The FAA wouldn't care if you took off from the highway was probably the state or local police that said no.
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Yep most likely someone gave permission to takeoff so they called for fuel then a superior caught wind of it and said oh hell no.
 
Remember a bit back there was one on here with a “coolant loss” landed on a freeway exit ramp and the local pd there stopped traffic once he got it running to take off... so yea I bet what others are saying it was a go until it want
 
Guy ran out of fuel in a club T-41 (or C-172?) heading back to Fort Meade, and landed on a state road. No damage, and they closed the road after refueling it, and the club manager (or other club officer) took off and flew it home.
 
There was a news report years back that the plane landed off-airport because the spark plugs fouled but was able to depart again after they were cleaned. Many of us supposed that the process included filling those tanks of "spark plug cleaner" in the wings.
 
EdFred said:
The FAA wouldn't care if you took off from the highway was probably the state or local police that said no.
Click to expand...
Necropost, but an update:
I finally was able to talk w the head of KVJI’s line crew from that night and he did confirm that the FAA was cool with refueling and TO from interstate, but Highway Patrol nixed that plan.
Interesting.
 
Last edited:
wrbix said:
http://wcyb.com/news/local/small-aircraft-makes-emergency-landing-on-i-81
Appears from description and Flight Aware data most likely fuel exhaustion.
First day owning plane.
Flight Aware course is interesting: westbound, then brief 180, then resumed westbound, then seems to have tried unsuccessfully again to reach KVJI eastbound again.
Must’ve gotten lucky w traffic, I-81 through there is generally pretty congested.
Interesting they brought fuel truck from KVJI but seemingly wouldn’t let him fly out from interstate.
Click to expand...

Always VISUALLY confirm fuel to fuel gauge. Isn’t that on like every checklist?
 
Wondering if a visual was made of the tanks during pre flight?
 
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