Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Homer, AK — 2012-09-08

Final reportANC12LA103
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Date
2012-09-08
Location
Homer, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N3214D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the engine could not be examined because of the extent of time in salt water.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was attempting to land at an off-airport site in a coastal fjord. During the approach, he noticed that the propeller didn't seem to be spinning at the correct rpm. He applied carburetor heat and increased the throttle, but the engine did not respond. The airplane was unable to reach the intended landing area and impacted the water about 20 yards from shore. The pilot attempted to secure the airplane to the shore, but tides and water flow swept the airplane into open water. The airplane was later recovered by a fishing vessel, but, due to the length of time spent in salt water, the engine was not able to be examined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing site earlier in the approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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