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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 27, 2022 · Piper PA-18-135 · N99640

Wasilla, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wasilla, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-135
Tail Number
N99640
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC22LA020

The noncertificated pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff, the engine began to lose power, run roughly, and shake violently. He applied carburetor heat and selected the left fuel tank, then the right fuel tank before selecting both fuel tanks with no change noted. He reduced engine power to control the airplane shaking and conducted an emergency landing. During the emergency landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination revealed that the fuel selector was improperly labeled. However, the examination of the engine, accessories, and the other fuel system components revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, the reason for the partial loss of engine power and the engine’s rough operation could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined

Full Narrative

On February 27, 2022, about 1232 Alaska standard time, a Piper P-18 airplane, N99640, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Wolf Lake Airport (4AK6), Wasilla, Alaska. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The noncertificated pilot stated that, after departure from 4AK6 and while the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level, the engine began to lose power, run roughly, and shake violently. To restore engine power, he applied carburetor heat and selected the left fuel tank and then the right fuel tank before selecting both tanks, but those actions did not restore power. He reduced engine power to control the airplane shaking and conducted an emergency landing. During the emergency landing, the airplane impacted a burn barrel and came to rest against a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination revealed that the Maule-type fuel selector had been mislabeled. Specifically, the position labeled “both” was for the right tank, the position labeled “left” was the “off” position, the position labeled “right” was for the left tank, and the position labeled “off” was for both tanks. The examination of the engine, its accessories, and the other fuel system components revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:32 AKST
Nearest AirportWolf Lake Airport (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-135
Tail NumberN99640
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 F / 27 F
Altimeter29.54 inHg
Observation Time12:53

Appendix: Source Data