On August 24, 1992, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7887H) operated by Stepovich, Christopher A. was involved in an aviation accident near Harding Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to use automotive fuel in an engine not approved for such use, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced partial engine power loss shortly after takeoff, necessitating an off-airport forced landing that caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
What happened
The pilot reported experiencing a partial loss of engine power immediately following takeoff. This mechanical issue necessitated an off-airport forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Following the accident, the engine was tested and operated normally without any issues that could be considered causal to the initial power loss.
The investigation
Post-accident analysis was conducted on the fuel drained from the airplane. The examination indicated that the aviation fuel had been blended with automotive fuel. It is important to note that the specific engine installed in the aircraft was not approved for the use of automotive fuel.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to use automotive fuel in an engine not approved for such use, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
What happened in the 24 Aug 1992 Piper PA-12 accident near Harding Lake, AK?
A pilot experienced partial engine power loss shortly after takeoff, necessitating an off-airport forced landing that caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7887H, operated by Stepovich, Christopher A., at Harding Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to use automotive fuel in an engine not approved for such use, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
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…