Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18A 150 near Kasilof, AK — 2021-03-13

Final reportANC21LA024
Sign in to save
Date
2021-03-13
Location
Kasilof, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18A 150
Registration
N9073D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss on engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while flying at a low altitude, the engine lost all power. In an effort to restore power, he rotated the fuel selector to what he thought was the left fuel tank while focusing his attention outside the airplane to conduct an emergency descent and landing. During the emergency landing the airplane impacted trees sustaining substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, fuselage and right elevator. A post-accident wreckage examination which included an engine run revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In addition, fuel was found in the left main fuel tank, no fuel in the right main fuel tank and the fuel selector was in the off position. The pilot stated that he must have inadvertently selected the fuel selector to the off position following the loss of power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps