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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 8, 1995 · Piper PA-18 · N9264D

Wasilla, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 8, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wasilla, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N9264D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC95LA027

AFTER DRAINING THE MAIN WING FUEL TANKS FROM AN AIRPLANE THAT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DEPARTED FROM AN AIRSTRIP ON A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED TO IDLE AND THE PILOT PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES, SHEARING OFF THE WINGS. A POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE GASCOLATOR WAS FROZEN. THE PILOT LAST OBTAINED A STUDENT PILOT/MEDICAL CERTIFICATE IN 1981; HOWEVER, HE REPORTED HAVING ACCRUED 1,860 FLIGHT HOURS.

NTSB Probable Cause

A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE A FROZEN GASCOLATOR, AND RESTRICTED FUEL SUPPLY.

Full Narrative

On January 8, 1995, about 1030 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N9264D, registered to and operated by the pilot, experienced a nonmechanical, partial power failure and crashed into trees just after takeoff from Anderson Lake Airstrip located in Wasilla, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, was departing Anderson Lake for a local flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The noncertificated Pilot, the sole occupant was not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. According to the pilot, he had a student pilot certificate but had not flown in some time. He decided to fly because the weather was clear. He drained his fuel tank sumps and after the engine warmed up he made his takeoff. During the initial climb the engine power reduced to idle without any reduction in the throttle. He was forced to land in the trees and the wings were sheared from the aircraft. According to George Chapman of Mat-Su Air Service, Wasilla, he examined the airplane and was not able to drain any fuel from the gascolator drain. He stated that it was frozen closed. He also indicated that the airplane had not been flown for about 4 months. A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman and medical records indicated that the pilot had obtained a student pilot/third class medical certificate on July 31, 1981. No further record of a current pilot and/or medical certificate was found. In the pilot/operator report submitted by the pilot, he indicated that he had accrued 1,860 flight hours. According to 14 CFR Part 61.87 (m), "No student pilot may operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student's pilot certificate and logbook have been endorsed for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown by an authorized flight instructor certificated under this part, and the student's logbook has been endorsed, within the 90 days prior to the student operating in solo flight...."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:30 AKST
Nearest Airport1nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN9264D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point5 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data