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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 1, 2007 · Piper PA-18 · N40832

Anaktuvuk Pass, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N40832
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC07CA072

The commercial certificated pilot was landing the tundra tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane at an unimproved, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, during the base leg of the approach for landing, the engine lost power, and the airplane collided with terrain during an emergency descent/landing. The airplane's owner reported that he observed the airplane's preflight inspection, and watched the pilot sump the fuel tanks, finding a small quantity of water in the tanks. He said the airplane departed, and upon returning, during landing, the engine lost power. While inspecting the airplane after the accident, the owner said he found water in the airplane's gascolator, carburetor, and fuel lines. He said the airplane was fueled from drums with filters, and it had rained during the preceding days. He said he suspected water contaminated fuel was the cause of the engine stoppage, and that after refueling the airplane with clean fuel, the engine started and ran without any problems. The owner said the airplane received damage to its fuselage, wings, lift-struts, and landing gear during the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during approach due to water contaminated fuel.

Full Narrative

The commercial certificated pilot was landing the tundra tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane at an unimproved, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, during the base leg of the approach for landing, the engine quit, and the airplane collided with terrain during an emergency descent/landing. The airplane's owner reported that he observed the airplane's preflight inspection, and watched the pilot sump the fuel tanks, finding a small quantity of water in the tanks. He said the airplane departed, and upon returning, during landing, the engine quit. While inspecting the airplane after the accident, the owner said he found water in the airplane's gascolator, carburetor, and fuel lines. He said the airplane was fueled from drums with filters, and it had rained during the preceding days. He said he suspected water contaminated fuel was the cause of the engine stoppage, and that after refueling the airplane with clean fuel, the engine started and ran without any problems. The owner said the airplane received damage to its fuselage, wings, lift-struts, and landing gear during the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN40832
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
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 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data