PIPER PA-18A near Anchorage, AK — 2021-03-29

Final reportANC21FA028

Date: 2021-03-29
Location: Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport: LHD
Aircraft: PIPER PA-18A
Registration: N1968P
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: Minor
Fatalities: 0
Phase of flight: Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

Before landing, the pilot selected a different fuel tank, and during final approach, the engine lost total power. The pilot switched fuel tanks while maneuvering the airplane for a forced landing, during which the left wing impacted a light pole and the airplane spun to the left before impacting the ground in a nose-down attitude. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information. The temperature and due point spread made it unlikely for carburetor icing conditions at the time of the accident.