1994-01-17: Piper PA-18-160 — Park, Kevin B. — Palmer, AK

Casualties unknown • Palmer, AK, US

Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR IN THE SEVERITY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHEN THE ENGINE CEASED PRODUCING POWER.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE AFTER DEPARTURE FROM A GLACIER WHILE PERFORMING A SHALLOW CLIMBING TURN TO THE RIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AGL, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED TO THE GROUND OUT OF CONTROL. THE PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO CHECK THE FUEL FOR CONTAMINATION, CLEAR LIGHT SNOW FROM THE WINGS AND TAIL SURFACES, PREHEAT THE ENGINE FOR 50 MINUTES, AND RUN THE ENGINE FOR 7 MINUTES BEFORE COMMENCING THE TAKEOFF.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-01-17 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Palmer, AK?

APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE AFTER DEPARTURE FROM A GLACIER WHILE PERFORMING A SHALLOW CLIMBING TURN TO THE RIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AGL, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED TO THE GROUND OUT OF CONTROL. THE PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO CHECK THE FUEL FOR CONTAMINATION, CLEAR LIGHT SNOW FROM THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-01-17 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N6574L, operated by Park, Kevin B., at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR IN THE SEVERITY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHEN THE ENGINE CEASED PRODUCING POWER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00574. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…