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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 1, 1991 · Aeronca Sedan 15AC · N1416H

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Aeronca Sedan 15AC
Tail Number
N1416H
Operator
Darin Applebury
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC91LA156

THE PILOT STATED HE SAW FUEL STREAMING FROM THE TRAILING EDGE OF THE WINGS. THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER, AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP IT RUNNING THROUGH THE USE OF THE FUEL PRIMER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING ON MUD FLATS AND WAS DAMAGED. THE AIRPLANE'S ORIGINAL 145 HP ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED WITH A 200 HP ENGINE. THE ORIGINAL FUEL CAPS WITH INTEGRAL FUEL SYSTEM VENTS WERE STILL INSTALLED. THE WINGS OF THE AIRPLANE WERE NOT RECOVERED AND DISAPPEARED WITH THE TIDE; AS A RESULT, THE FUEL QUANTITY COULD NOT BE CHECKED. EXAMINATION SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE CARBURETOR BOWL.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL CAPS WERE SECURE, WHICH RESTULED IN A FUEL LEAK AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL EXHAUSTION.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT STATED HE SAW FUEL STREAMING FROM THE TRAILING EDGE OF THE WINGS. THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER, AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP IT RUNNING THROUGH THE USE OF THE FUEL PRIMER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING ON MUD FLATS AND WAS DAMAGED. THE AIRPLANE'S ORIGINAL 145 HP ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED WITH A 200 HP ENGINE. THE ORIGINAL FUEL CAPS WITH INTEGRAL FUEL SYSTEM VENTS WERE STILL INSTALLED. THE WINGS OF THE AIRPLANE WERE NOT RECOVERED AND DISAPPEARED WITH THE TIDE; AS A RESULT, THE FUEL QUANTITY COULD NOT BE CHECKED. EXAMINATION SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE CARBURETOR BOWL.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca Sedan 15AC
Tail NumberN1416H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDarin Applebury
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind150° @ 25 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data