Engine Power Loss Leads to Nose-Over During Forced Landing

Casualties unknown • Prudhoe Bay, AK, US

An engine power loss during the approach to a remote tundra strip resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent aircraft nose-over.

What happened

While approaching the end of a remote tundra strip, the pilot reported that the engine suddenly lost a substantial amount of power at approximately two hundred feet altitude. The aircraft landed short of the intended area and bounced; during this period, the engine regained some RPM.

The pilot attempted a go-around, but the engine experienced another loss of power. Consequently, the pilot performed a forced landing near the end of the airstrip. During the landing, heavy wheel braking was applied, which caused the aircraft to nose over onto its back. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

Prior to the flight, which was an approximately eight-hour ferry flight to Anchorage, Alaska, the pilot had drained the fuel tanks and engine sumps, finding no evidence of contamination. A teardown examination of the engine revealed no abnormalities.

Probable cause

The loss of engine power was likely caused by the ingestion of a small amount of water into the engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-09-13 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Prudhoe Bay, AK?

An engine power loss during the approach to a remote tundra strip resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent aircraft nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-13 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N3996Z, at Prudhoe Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power was likely caused by the ingestion of a small amount of water into the engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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