Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing on Rough Terrain (N679RK)

Canyon Creek, AK, US

On August 4, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N679RK) was involved in an aviation accident near Canyon Creek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot believed a small amount of water may have come from the right tank and prevented an immediate restart of the engine. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that about 15 minutes after takeoff, the engine lost power after the left fuel tank emptied. Attempting to switch to the right tank, insufficient altitude prevented a restart, forcing a landing on rough terrain. The occupants were not recovered for six days.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's report, approximately 15 minutes after departure, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot stated that the power loss occurred after the left fuel tank had emptied. He then switched to the right tank, but reported that there was insufficient altitude to achieve a restart before being forced to land on rough terrain.

Pilot's Account

The pilot indicated that he normally operated the aircraft using fuel from the left tank and had not used fuel from the right tank for several months. He believed that a small amount of water may have been present in the right tank and prevented an immediate restart of the engine.

Aftermath

The accident took place in a remote area. The occupants of the aircraft were not recovered until six days after the event. As of the date of the pilot's accident report, the aircraft had not been retrieved.

Probable cause

The pilot believed a small amount of water may have come from the right tank and prevented an immediate restart of the engine.

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.