Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-135 near Wasilla, AK — 2022-02-27

Final reportANC22LA020
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Date
2022-02-27
Location
Wasilla, AK, USA
Airport
4AK6
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-135
Registration
N99640
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Properly labeling the fuel selector could have prevented the power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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