Pilot Debrief

Piper PA18 near Anchorage, AK — 2018-06-29

Final reportANC18LA051
Sign in to save
Date
2018-06-29
Location
Anchorage, AK, USA
Airport
LHD
Aircraft
Piper PA18
Registration
N7675D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in impact with and subsequent sliding across terrain.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot stated that he and the pilot-rated passenger fueled the airplane from his private fuel tank at his floatplane slip before the flight and that the preflight inspection and engine run-up were normal. He was conducting a takeoff from the rear seat with a pilot-rated passenger in the front seat. When the airplane was between about 100 and 200 ft above ground level, the engine started to “sputter” and lose power. The pilot attempted to restore power by cycling the throttle to no avail. Realizing he would not be able to land on the water, he turned the airplane to land on a nearby gravel runway. He asked the pilot-rated passenger to check that the fuel selector valve was in the “on” position, and he responded that it was. He could not recall the impact attitude or the impact itself. The passenger’s statement corroborated the pilot’s statement, but he added that the airplane landed with a nose-high attitude and then banked right. Impact ground scars were evident across a gravel taxiway and a grassy area next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The engine was found attached to the airframe and intact, and the fuel and oil lines were secure. Postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed that there was corrosion on the top spark plugs, and no spark could be produced at the leads; however, these were likely caused by the airplane’s exposure to water with the engine cowling off during the 2 months after the accident. No fuel was present in the carburetor or the fuel line from the fuel strainer to the engine. The fuel tanks had sufficient fuel and no water or debris was found in fuel samples from the fuel system or from the pilot’s private fuel tank. One of the propeller blades was found straight with extensive trailing edge impact damage and dirt and grass dried onto the cambered face, indicative of no rotation at impact. No evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were noted with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the evidence, it is likely that fuel was not reaching the engine, which led to fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system before takeoff to ensure proper operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

Related mishaps