NTSB Factual Report

On July 4, 2003, approximately 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Lockheed 402-2 single-engine airplane, N3380G, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while performing a precautionary landing near Headquarters, Idaho. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The private pilot and his two passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal cross-country flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Orofino, Municipal Airport, Orofino, Idaho, at 1135, and was destined for the Missoula International Airport, Missoula, Montana.

In a statement provided to an FAA inspector, and as reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot related that "obtaining gas at Orofino is difficult to impossible." The pilot reported there wasn't any fueler available, so he took off believing he had enough fuel for the trip. The pilot further stated that when he realized he would not have enough fuel to reach his destination, he chose to return to Orofino. En route back to Orofino the pilot encountered a 25 knot headwind. The pilot stated that now realizing he would not have enough fuel to reach Orofino, he elected to make a precautionary landing at an old logging staging area/road. The pilot related, "While attempting a landing on an unused emergency strip, I encountered a downdraft and struck trees at the end of the runway. When I realized I would not make it, I aimed between the trees where there was a small gap. The emergency landing was precautionary."

The FAA inspector reported substantial damage to both wings, the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, the rudder and the elevator.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper preflight planning and improper fuel consumption calculations. Factors contributing to the accident included the unfavorable wind condition, the downdraft, and the trees.