On October 21, 1994, an Aeronca SEDAN AR-15 (registration N1428H) operated by Warner, Walt was involved in an aviation accident near Nikolai, AK. 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.
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.