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NTSB Report
December 13, 1992 · Piper PA-18 · N1954P
Anchorage, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 13, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N1954P
Operator
Smith Hugh
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC93LA021
DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB THE PILOT SMELLED WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES, AND THE COCKPIT FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. THE OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING ON THE MUD FLATS RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE WHEN IT NOSED OVER. EXAMINATION FOUND THAT THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR HAD SHORTED OUT. THIS CAUSED A BRIEF LOCALIZED FIRE WHICH BURNED AND SHORTED OUT THE MAGNETO 'P' LEADS, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A SHORT IN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE PILOT TO MAKE THE FORCED LANDING ON.
Full Narrative
DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB THE PILOT SMELLED WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES, AND THE COCKPIT FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. THE OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING ON THE MUD FLATS RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE WHEN IT NOSED OVER. EXAMINATION FOUND THAT THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR HAD SHORTED OUT. THIS CAUSED A BRIEF LOCALIZED FIRE WHICH BURNED AND SHORTED OUT THE MAGNETO 'P' LEADS, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:45 AKST
Nearest AirportLAKEHOOD (1nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN1954P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith Hugh
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 3 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 27 C
Altimeter28.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC