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NTSB Report
October 13, 1988 · Piper PA-12 · N3153M
Little Heart Lk, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Little Heart Lk, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N3153M
Operator
John M Allen
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89FA009
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND CALLED A LOCAL PILOT IN THE TALKEETNA AREA FOR WEATHER AND THE CONDITIONS OF THE LAKE TO DETERMINE IF THE LAKE'S SURFACE HAD FROZEN. HE THEN DEPARTED FOR THE LAKE AT 1800 ADT AND WAS NOT HEARD FROM AGAIN. THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED WITHIN ONE QUARTER OF A MILE OF HIS DESTINATION, LITTLE HEART LAKE, JUST TO THESOUTHEAST OF THE SHORELINE. NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES WERE FOUND DURING THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION. THE WRECKAGE SITE WAS SURROUNDED BY TREES AND ALDER SHRUBS WHICH SHOWED NO SIGNS OF IMPACT OR BRANCH BREAKAGE. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND CALLED A LOCAL PILOT IN THE TALKEETNA AREA FOR WEATHER AND THE CONDITIONS OF THE LAKE TO DETERMINE IF THE LAKE'S SURFACE HAD FROZEN. HE THEN DEPARTED FOR THE LAKE AT 1800 ADT AND WAS NOT HEARD FROM AGAIN. THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED WITHIN ONE QUARTER OF A MILE OF HIS DESTINATION, LITTLE HEART LAKE, JUST TO THESOUTHEAST OF THE SHORELINE. NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES WERE FOUND DURING THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION. THE WRECKAGE SITE WAS SURROUNDED BY TREES AND ALDER SHRUBS WHICH SHOWED NO SIGNS OF IMPACT OR BRANCH BREAKAGE. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN3153M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn M Allen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind340° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 28 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC