On August 14, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7797B) was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine failure due to an eroded engine piston. Factors in the accident were unsuitable terrain for a forced landing and improperly timed magnetos. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and passenger experienced an engine failure shortly after departing a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane, resulting in a forced landing on the shoreline. Postaccident inspection revealed a locked piston ring and degraded cylinder.
Departure and Engine Failure
A certificated private pilot and sole passenger departed a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane. Approximately three minutes after takeoff, the engine began to run rough and subsequently ceased operating. The pilot initiated a turn back toward the lake but was unable to reach it by gliding, instead landing the airplane on the shoreline.
Postaccident Inspection
Examination of the engine after the accident disclosed a lack of compression in the number 4 cylinder. The top piston compression ring was found frozen in its groove. The outer and upper edges of the piston crown were eroded and scored. Tiny metallic particles originating from the piston material were observed adhering to the spark plugs. Additionally, one magneto was timed at 4 degrees before the recommended setting of 25 degrees.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…