Casualties unknown

1989-03-16: Aeronca 15AC (N4433N) — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, US

On March 16, 1989, an Aeronca 15AC (registration N4433N) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S INPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE INSTRUCTORS FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPERVISE THE STUDENT ACTIONS WITHIN THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was forced to land in a frozen swamp after the engine experienced repeated power losses during cruise flight.

What happened

During the cruise phase of flight, the engine began running roughly and subsequently lost power. The flight instructor followed emergency procedures, which initially allowed the engine to regain power. In an attempt to troubleshoot the failure and allow more time for troubleshooting, the throttle was reduced to 2000 RPM. However, once the throttle was reduced, the engine quit a second time.

The flight instructor applied carburetor heat, but the student pilot subsequently removed the carb heat. This cycle of applying and removing carb heat occurred several times, resulting in intermittent losses and gains of engine power. Eventually, the engine could not regain power, necessitating a forced landing. The aircraft landed in a frozen swamp area that was covered by 2 1/2 feet of snow. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over.

The occupants were not injured.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27815. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.