On June 8, 1991, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4319Z) operated by David L. Grinde was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE POWERPLANT FAILURE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE COLLISION WITH THE WIRES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a departure, the pilot climbed to 500 feet, reduced power, and switched fuel tanks. The engine lost power about one minute later. Unable to restart, the pilot performed a forced landing during which the right wing struck powerlines. Subsequent examinations found no mechanical or fuel system abnormalities.
Incident Narrative
The pilot initiated the flight by departing from an airstrip. He climbed to 500 feet above ground level, then reduced engine power. He activated the fuel transfer pump and switched the fuel selector from the left to the right fuel tank. Approximately one minute after that fuel selection, the engine ceased to produce power. The pilot returned the fuel selector to the left tank, but was unable to restart the engine. Consequently, he performed a forced landing. During the forced landing, the right wing struck powerlines.
Investigation
Post-incident, the engine was examined and run; no mechanical malfunctions were detected. An inspection of the airplane's fuel system also revealed no abnormalities.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…