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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 30, 2011 · Piper PA-18-150 · N82448

Cape Yakataga, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cape Yakataga, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N82448
Operator
Fejes Guide Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC11CA089

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, he inadvertently switched off the engine magnetos with his coat sleeve while using the trim handle causing the airplane’s engine to shut down; the switches were located on the left side of the cabin. The pilot realized the problem, but, due to the airplane's low altitude, he decided to land instead of trying to restart the engine and climb over obstacles at the end of the airstrip. The airplane touched down in an area of tree stumps and brush, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the magneto switches on the accident airplane and other like models revealed that a pilot's coat sleeve can contact and move the guarded magneto switches. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by moving the magneto switches to the instrument panel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot inadvertently switching off the engine magnetos during the initial climb, resulting in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the manufacturer's placement of the magneto switches.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the initial climb, he inadvertently switched off the engine magneto switches on the left side of the cabin with his coat sleeve while using the trim handle, and the airplane's engine shutdown. He realized the problem, but due to the airplane's low altitude, he decided to land instead of trying to restart the engine and climb over obstacles at the end of the airstrip. The airplane touched down in an area of tree stumps and brush, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Examination of the magneto switches on the accident airplane, and other like models, revealed that a pilot's coat sleeve can come in contact with the guarded magneto switches. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by moving the magneto switches to the instrument panel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportTsiu Lodge Strip (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN82448
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFejes Guide Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 39 C
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data