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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Repeated Engine Power Losses in Cruise (N4433N)

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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor reported that the engine ran rough and quit during cruise. After repeated power losses and gains, a forced landing was made on a frozen swamp covered by 2 1/2 feet of snow, and the aircraft nosed over.

Incident Overview During cruise flight, the engine began to run rough and subsequently quit. Emergency procedures were followed, and the engine regained power. ## Engine Performance Issues The throttle was reduced to 2,000 RPM to allow additional time to determine what had failed. With the throttle reduced, the engine quit again. The certified flight instructor applied carburetor heat, and the student subsequently removed it. This sequence occurred several times, with subsequent losses and gains in power. ## Forced Landing The power eventually could not be regained, and a forced landing was made on a frozen swamp area covered by 2 1/2 feet of snow. The aircraft nosed over during the landing.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Mar 1989 Aeronca 15AC accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A flight instructor reported that the engine ran rough and quit during cruise. After repeated power losses and gains, a forced landing was made on a frozen swamp covered by 2 1/2 feet of snow, and the aircraft nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Mar 1989 involved an Aeronca 15AC, registration N4433N, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S INPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE INSTRUCTORS FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPERVISE THE STUDENT ACTIONS WITHIN THE AIRPLANE.

More accident analyses

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.