On March 5, 1995, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N4778A) was involved in an aviation accident near Forks, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performed a forced landing on a gravel bar in a river after losing engine power about 30 minutes into a local flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during rollout.
Incident Details
Approximately 30 minutes into a local flight, the pilot reported hearing a popping noise followed by a loss of engine RPMs. The pilot attempted corrective actions including adjusting the mixture control, switching fuel tanks, and applying carburetor heat. When engine power was not restored, the pilot executed a forced landing on a gravel bar in a river. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during rollout, and the engine was still running at approximately 1000 RPM when the aircraft came to a stop.
Post-Accident Inspection
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the aircraft after the accident. They found that the aircraft had not undergone an annual inspection in several years. Additionally, multiple mechanical discrepancies were noted, though none were determined to have precluded the engine from operating.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Mar 1995 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Forks, WA?
A pilot performed a forced landing on a gravel bar in a river after losing engine power about 30 minutes into a local flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during rollout.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Mar 1995 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N4778A, at Forks, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE LOSS OF POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING.
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