On August 5, 1995, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3688M) was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND THE WATER IN THE AIRPLANE'S FUEL SYSTEM. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ROUGH WATER IN THE FORCED LANDING AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, the engine lost power. The pilot made a forced landing onto rough water, damaging the floats and breaking a longeron. The aircraft drifted for 30 minutes before sinking. Later examination revealed water in the fuel system.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during cruise flight, the engine stopped producing power. He conducted a forced landing onto rough water, resulting in a hard impact that damaged the floats and broke a lower longeron. After landing, the airplane drifted for approximately 30 minutes and subsequently sank.
Preflight and Fuel System Examination
Prior to the accident flight, the airplane had been parked on the ground for an extended period and was in need of maintenance. During the preflight inspection, the pilot discovered water in the fuel system. He drained the gascolator, but believed the fluid was all fuel because it appeared to be the same color. Following recovery of the airplane, an examination of the fuel system found water present in both the gascolator and the carburetor fuel bowl.
What happened in the 5 Aug 1995 Piper PA-12 accident near Ketchikan, AK?
During cruise, the engine lost power. The pilot made a forced landing onto rough water, damaging the floats and breaking a longeron. The aircraft drifted for 30 minutes before sinking. Later examination revealed water in the fuel system.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Aug 1995 Piper PA-12 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N3688M, at Ketchikan, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND THE WATER IN THE AIRPLANE'S FUEL SYSTEM. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ROUGH WATER IN THE FORCED LANDING AREA.
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