Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Trap Line Check Forces River Landing (N6550Z)

Red Devil, AK, US

On October 18, 1995, a Piper PA-18 (registration N6550Z) operated by Daniel C. Herman was involved in an aviation accident near Red Devil, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot experienced a sudden engine failure while cruising at 800 feet AGL during a trap line check. Selecting a river gravel bar for emergency landing, the pilot overshot and collided with water. The aircraft was recovered and disassembled; no power loss cause was identified.

Accident Details

A certificated private pilot was conducting a flight to check trap lines when the engine suddenly quit while in cruise flight at an altitude of about 800 feet above ground level. The pilot selected a gravel bar on a river as an intended emergency landing area. During the approach, the pilot overshot the chosen landing spot, and the airplane subsequently collided with water.

Recovery and Investigation

The airplane was recovered from the river and then disassembled by the pilot for repair. During the disassembly and inspection, the pilot did not report finding any cause for the loss of engine power. No further details regarding the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04621. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.