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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

June 12, 1982 · Piper PA-18 · N8653Y

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N8653Y
Operator
Ward Hulbert
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC82DAG31

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE ENGINE TO DEVELOP POWER. HE CALLED A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT CONDITIONS WERE RIGHT FOR CARBURETOR ICING. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED RUNNING THE ENGINE WITH CARBURETOR HEAT APPLIED. THE PILOT DID THIS AND SAID THAT IT HELPED, SO HE TOOK OFF TO TEST THE ENGINE OPERATION IN FLIGHT. HE CIRCLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE FLYING WITH THE CARBURETOR HEAT ON, THEN TURNED THE HEAT OFF. WITH THE HEAT OFF, THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED FOR A FEW SECONDS, AND THEN ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND LOST POWER. THE PILOT REAPPLIED THE CARBURETOR HEAT, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND FULLY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED WHILE LANDING IN A SPRUCE COVERED, SWAMPY AREA.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE ENGINE TO DEVELOP POWER. HE CALLED A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT CONDITIONS WERE RIGHT FOR CARBURETOR ICING. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED RUNNING THE ENGINE WITH CARBURETOR HEAT APPLIED. THE PILOT DID THIS AND SAID THAT IT HELPED, SO HE TOOK OFF TO TEST THE ENGINE OPERATION IN FLIGHT. HE CIRCLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE FLYING WITH THE CARBURETOR HEAT ON, THEN TURNED THE HEAT OFF. WITH THE HEAT OFF, THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED FOR A FEW SECONDS, AND THEN ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND LOST POWER. THE PILOT REAPPLIED THE CARBURETOR HEAT, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND FULLY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED WHILE LANDING IN A SPRUCE COVERED, SWAMPY AREA.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:10 AHDT
Nearest AirportSANDLAKE (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN8653Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWard Hulbert
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

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Appendix: Source Data