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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss and Stall During Forced Landing Attempt (N7755H)

Anchorage, AK, US

On July 21, 1995, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7755H) operated by John F. Strong was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH LED TO CARBURETOR ICING AND A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departed from a private airstrip. During climb at 700 feet, the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted a forced landing but misjudged the approach, causing the airplane to stall and impact terrain with substantial damage. The flight was the first after an engine rebuild; examination revealed no malfunction. Carburetor icing was possible per FAA charts.

Accident Details

The pilot departed from a private airstrip after a successful engine run-up. During the climb, at approximately 700 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot initiated a forced landing but misjudged the approach. As the airplane overshot the far end of the runway, it stalled and subsequently impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

Engine and Fuel System Examination

The accident flight was the first flight after the engine had been rebuilt. A detailed examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any evidence of malfunction.

Weather Considerations

According to FAA carburetor icing probability charts, the prevailing weather conditions at the time of the accident could produce 'serious' carburetor icing at cruise power. The pilot stated that he applied carburetor heat at the time of the power loss, but observed no effect.

Engine failureIcing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jul 1995 Piper PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A pilot departed from a private airstrip. During climb at 700 feet, the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted a forced landing but misjudged the approach, causing the airplane to stall and impact terrain with substantial damage. The flight was the first after an engine rebuild; examination revealed no…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jul 1995 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7755H, operated by John F. Strong, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH LED TO CARBURETOR ICING AND A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT ARE PREVAILING CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY JUDGE THE AIRPLANE'S DISTANCE AND SPEED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03842. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.