Engine power loss and forced landing in remote terrain

Casualties unknown • Canyon Creek, AK, US

An aircraft experienced engine power loss approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, leading to a forced landing on rough terrain following the depletion of the left fuel tank.

What happened

Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, the engine of the aircraft lost power. The pilot reported that the power loss occurred after the left fuel tank had emptied. In an attempt to maintain flight, the pilot switched to the right fuel tank; however, there was insufficient altitude available to successfully perform an engine restart before the aircraft was forced to land on rough terrain.

The accident took place in a remote area, and the occupants of the aircraft were not recovered for six days. At the time of the pilot's accident report, the aircraft had not been retrieved.

Probable cause

The engine lost power after the left fuel tank emptied, and a subsequent attempt to restart the engine using fuel from the right tank failed, potentially due to water contamination in the right tank fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-08-04 Piper PA-18 accident near Canyon Creek, AK?

An aircraft experienced engine power loss approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, leading to a forced landing on rough terrain following the depletion of the left fuel tank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-08-04 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N679RK, at Canyon Creek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power after the left fuel tank emptied, and a subsequent attempt to restart the engine using fuel from the right tank failed, potentially due to water contamination in the right tank fuel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28997. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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