Pilot Debrief

Lake L-4 near Girdwood, AK — 2008-06-09

Final reportANC08LA074
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Date
2008-06-09
Location
Girdwood, AK, USA
Airport
AQY
Aircraft
Lake L-4
Registration
N13RZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was rough and uneven terrain.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff in an amphibious airplane on a personal flight, the pilot reported that as the airplane reached about 300 feet above ground level, the engine began to lose power. He said that the airplane was unable to climb, and that he selected an emergency landing spot in a creek about 3/4 mile south of the departure airport. The airplane received structural damage to the left wing, the hull, and the fuselage. After recovery, the airplane's engine and airframe were examined by two Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspectors. The engine was started and it ran at idle, but when full power was applied the engine rpm decreased from 2,600 to 2,200 after about 12 seconds. The engine fuel pressure remained within normal limits, and the magneto check was normal. No other mechanical malfunction was observed. The propeller governor and the engine-driven fuel pump were sent to their respective manufacturers for examination. No mechanical malfunction of either component was observed.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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