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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Crash in Canyon Due to Fuel Contamination (N8519Y)

Canning River, AK, US

On July 9, 1990, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N8519Y) operated by Steven H. Porter was involved in an aviation accident near Canning River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during an in-flight engine failure caused by fuel contamination, which resulted in a collision with terrain. 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

The pilot experienced an engine failure at low altitude while flying into a canyon. Despite switching fuel tanks and restarting the engine, the aircraft crashed into trees due to contamination in the nearly empty tank.

What happened

While operating the aircraft at approximately 600 feet above ground level (AGL) within a canyon environment, the pilot reported that the engine suddenly quit. In an attempt to resolve the issue, the pilot switched the fuel selector to another tank. This action allowed the engine to restart; however, the altitude loss had already become critical. The descent could not be arrested before the airplane impacted trees.

The investigation

The aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire following the collision with the terrain. Examination of the event revealed that the fuel tank was at a very low level at the time of the failure.

Findings

The pilot attributed the engine quit to contamination within the fuel tank. The combination of low fuel quantity and suspected contamination led to the loss of power. The inability to regain sufficient altitude resulted in the fatal crash into the trees.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during an in-flight engine failure caused by fuel contamination, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23577. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.