FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Loss of Engine Power During Cross-Country Flight in Snow Results in Forced Landing and Damage (N1428H)

Nikolai, AK, US

On October 21, 1994, an Aeronca SEDAN AR-15 (registration N1428H) operated by Warner, Walt was involved in an aviation accident near Nikolai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE FALLING SNOW, AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM VENTS, RESTRICTION OF THE FUEL FLOW AND LACK OF A SUITABLE LANDING AREA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying in moderate falling snow for about 30 minutes experienced a loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a forced landing. During the landing roll, the landing gear struck a log, damaging the gear and fuselage.

Incident Summary

During a cross-country flight, the pilot was flying in moderate falling snow conditions. This situation persisted for approximately 30 minutes. At some point during the flight, the engine lost power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and consequently executed a forced landing.

Forced Landing

As the aircraft descended for the forced landing, the pilot managed to touch down. However, during the landing roll, the landing gear struck a log. This impact caused damage to both the landing gear and the fuselage of the airplane.

Post-Landing Observations

After the aircraft came to a stop on the ground, the pilot attempted to drain fuel from the fuel tanks. During this procedure, the pilot heard air being sucked into the tanks. This sound continued until the internal pressure of the tanks equalized. The airplane's fuel system vents are located on the belly of the fuselage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 1994 Aeronca SEDAN AR-15 accident near Nikolai, AK?

A pilot flying in moderate falling snow for about 30 minutes experienced a loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a forced landing. During the landing roll, the landing gear struck a log, damaging the gear and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 1994 Aeronca SEDAN AR-15 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 1994 involved an Aeronca SEDAN AR-15, registration N1428H, operated by Warner, Walt, at Nikolai, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE FALLING SNOW, AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM VENTS, RESTRICTION OF THE FUEL FLOW AND LACK OF A SUITABLE LANDING AREA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02370. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.