On March 10, 1995, a Piper J3 (registration N88415) operated by Dean Heimermann was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FROZEN ENGINE BREATHER TUBE WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF OIL AND ENGINE POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cross-country ferry flight, oil spattered the windshield and oil pressure dropped, leading to a forced landing on a remote frozen lake. The right wing struck a tree, damaging the wing and fuselage. The pilot attributed the issue to a frozen engine breather tube.
Incident Summary
During a cross-country ferry flight, the airplane's windshield became spattered with oil, and the engine oil pressure began to decrease. In response, the pilot selected a forced landing area on a remote frozen lake.
Landing and Damage
During the landing roll, the airplane's right wing struck a tree. The impact produced damage to both the wing and the fuselage.
Pilot's Account
The pilot indicated that the engine breather tube was frozen over.
Aftermath
Due to the remote nature of the area, the pilot replaced the engine oil and departed the lake. The airplane was flown to the next available airstrip and secured. Damage to the airplane was reported to the NTSB 12 days later.