On January 8, 1995, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9264D) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE A FROZEN GASCOLATOR, AND RESTRICTED FUEL SUPPLY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Non-certificated pilot drained wing fuel tanks from airplane parked for months, then experienced engine power reduction to idle during takeoff climb, leading to forced landing and collision with trees. Post-accident inspection found frozen gascolator.
Accident Overview
A non-certificated pilot drained the main wing fuel tanks from an airplane that had been parked for several months. Subsequently, the pilot departed from an airstrip for a local area flight. During the takeoff climb, the engine power reduced to idle, prompting the pilot to perform a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees, shearing off the wings.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the gascolator was frozen. The pilot last obtained a student pilot and medical certificate in 1981 but reported having accrued 1,860 flight hours.
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