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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 18, 1992 · Piper PA-18 · N226T

New Stuyahok, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
New Stuyahok, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N226T
Operator
David R Shetler
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC92LA174

WITNESSES TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT THE PILOT, AN ASSISTANT GUIDE, DEPARTED THE LODGE IN A HURRY AFTER RECEIVING A PHONE CALL FROM HIS WIFE. THESE WITNESSES STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THE AIRCRAFT TO HAVE FUEL LIMITED TO HALF THE DISTANCE TO HIS DESIRED DESTINATION, NEAR HOMER, AK. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) REPORTED THE WEATHER AS LOW CEILINGS AND VISIBILITY. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED BY SEARCH AIRCRAFT THE FOLLOWING MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES NORTH OF THE DIRECT TRACK TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION. THE PILOT TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT HIS 'ENGINE QUIT ON ONE TANK, (AND HE) SWITCHED TANKS BUT IT DIDN'T CATCH.' (ENGINE DID NOT RESTART). THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN UNDER PILOT CONTROLLED FLIGHT. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND A MIXTURE OF FUEL, WATER AND DEBRIS IN THE FUEL STRAINER AND LINE TO THE CARBURETOR.

NTSB Probable Cause

FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION BY WATER AND POOR PREFLIGHT INSPECTION AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY FLOAT PLANE LANDING WAS A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

WITNESSES TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT THE PILOT, AN ASSISTANT GUIDE, DEPARTED THE LODGE IN A HURRY AFTER RECEIVING A PHONE CALL FROM HIS WIFE. THESE WITNESSES STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THE AIRCRAFT TO HAVE FUEL LIMITED TO HALF THE DISTANCE TO HIS DESIRED DESTINATION, NEAR HOMER, AK. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) REPORTED THE WEATHER AS LOW CEILINGS AND VISIBILITY. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED BY SEARCH AIRCRAFT THE FOLLOWING MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES NORTH OF THE DIRECT TRACK TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION. THE PILOT TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT HIS 'ENGINE QUIT ON ONE TANK, (AND HE) SWITCHED TANKS BUT IT DIDN'T CATCH.' (ENGINE DID NOT RESTART). THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN UNDER PILOT CONTROLLED FLIGHT. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND A MIXTURE OF FUEL, WATER AND DEBRIS IN THE FUEL STRAINER AND LINE TO THE CARBURETOR.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN226T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid R Shetler
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
Wind190° @ 15 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data