1995-01-08: Piper PA-18 — Wasilla, AK

Casualties unknown • Wasilla, AK, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

AFTER DRAINING THE MAIN WING FUEL TANKS FROM AN AIRPLANE THAT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DEPARTED FROM AN AIRSTRIP ON A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED TO IDLE AND THE PILOT PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES, SHEARING OFF THE WINGS. A POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE GASCOLATOR WAS FROZEN. THE PILOT LAST OBTAINED A STUDENT PILOT/MEDICAL CERTIFICATE IN 1981; HOWEVER, HE REPORTED HAVING ACCRUED 1,860 FLIGHT HOURS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-01-08 Piper PA-18 accident near Wasilla, AK?

AFTER DRAINING THE MAIN WING FUEL TANKS FROM AN AIRPLANE THAT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DEPARTED FROM AN AIRSTRIP ON A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED TO IDLE AND THE PILOT PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES, SHEARING…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-01-08 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N9264D, at Wasilla, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02809. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…