Summary
On August 01, 2007, a Piper PA-18 (N40832) was involved in an incident near Anaktuvuk Pass, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during approach due to water contaminated fuel.
The commercial certificated pilot was landing the tundra tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane at an unimproved, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, during the base leg of the approach for landing, the engine quit, and the airplane collided with terrain during an emergency descent/landing. The airplane's owner reported that he observed the airplane's preflight inspection, and watched the pilot sump the fuel tanks, finding a small quantity of water in the tanks. He said the airplane departed, and upon returning, during landing, the engine quit. While inspecting the airplane after the accident, the owner said he found water in the airplane's gascolator, carburetor, and fuel lines.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC07CA072. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N40832.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during approach due to water contaminated fuel.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The commercial certificated pilot was landing the tundra tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane at an unimproved, off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, during the base leg of the approach for landing, the engine quit, and the airplane collided with terrain during an emergency descent/landing. The airplane's owner reported that he observed the airplane's preflight inspection, and watched the pilot sump the fuel tanks, finding a small quantity of water in the tanks. He said the airplane departed, and upon returning, during landing, the engine quit. While inspecting the airplane after the accident, the owner said he found water in the airplane's gascolator, carburetor, and fuel lines. He said the airplane was fueled from drums with filters, and it had rained during the preceding days. He said he suspected water contaminated fuel was the cause of the engine stoppage, and that after refueling the airplane with clean fuel, the engine started and ran without any problems. The owner said the airplane received damage to its fuselage, wings, lift-struts, and landing gear during the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC07CA072