On July 31, 1987, a Piper PA-18 (registration N5416H) operated by Frank Flores was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The carburetor heat air deflector valve in the carburetor air box had disengaged from its mounting due to corrosion, and had blocked off all air to the carburetor, causing the engine to quit. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Two flight instructors practicing landings in a tail wheel airplane experienced an abrupt loss of power after takeoff. The aircraft crashed on a residential street. Post-crash inspection revealed a corroded carburetor heat air deflector valve had disengaged and blocked air to the carburetor.
Incident Overview
Two certificated flight instructors were conducting landing practice in a tail wheel airplane. Shortly after the first takeoff, the pilot in command reported an abrupt loss of power. The airplane was unable to return to the airport and subsequently crashed on a residential street.
Post-Crash Findings
A post-crash inspection of the aircraft's engine system identified the cause of the power loss. The carburetor heat air deflector valve within the carburetor air box had disengaged from its mounting due to corrosion. This dislodged valve had blocked off all airflow to the carburetor, resulting in the engine quitting.
No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or extent of damage were provided in the investigation source.
Probable cause
The carburetor heat air deflector valve in the carburetor air box had disengaged from its mounting due to corrosion, and had blocked off all air to the carburetor, causing the engine to quit.
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