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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

June 22, 1990 · Piper PA-18-160 · N4431Z

Big Lake, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Big Lake, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-160
Tail Number
N4431Z
Operator
Kim Irwin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC90LA093

THE AIRPLANE HAD SPENT THREE YEARS IN THE SHOP BEING REBUILT AND THIS WAS ITS FIRST FLIGHT. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TOPPED OFF THE FUEL TANKS, PERFORMED A RUNUP AND THEN SAT ON THE END OF THE RUNWAY WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE COMMUNICATION RADIO. HE THEN TAXIED ONTO THE RUNWAY AND STARTED THE TAKEOFF. UPON REACHING 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND HE REDUCED THE POWER BY 200 RPM AND THE ENGINE DIED SUDDENLY. HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE AIRPLANE LANDED SHORT IN THE DITCH. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION AND ENGINE RUN SHOWED NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES WITH THE ENGINE OR AIRPLANE FUEL SYSTEM.

NTSB Probable Cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN A DITCH.

Full Narrative

THE AIRPLANE HAD SPENT THREE YEARS IN THE SHOP BEING REBUILT AND THIS WAS ITS FIRST FLIGHT. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TOPPED OFF THE FUEL TANKS, PERFORMED A RUNUP AND THEN SAT ON THE END OF THE RUNWAY WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE COMMUNICATION RADIO. HE THEN TAXIED ONTO THE RUNWAY AND STARTED THE TAKEOFF. UPON REACHING 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND HE REDUCED THE POWER BY 200 RPM AND THE ENGINE DIED SUDDENLY. HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE AIRPLANE LANDED SHORT IN THE DITCH. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION AND ENGINE RUN SHOWED NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES WITH THE ENGINE OR AIRPLANE FUEL SYSTEM.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportBIGLAKE (0nm N)
Runway24
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-160
Tail NumberN4431Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKim Irwin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 16 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

External Links

Appendix: Source Data