What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-11-03 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N5129Y, at Willow, AK.

Engine Power Loss During Cruise Flight Results in Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N5129Y)

On November 3, 1998, a Piper PA-12 (registration N5129Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to an undetermined reason. A factor associated with the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A certificated private pilot reported a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight at 1,000 feet msl. The pilot selected a swampy meadow for an emergency landing; during the landing roll, the main landing gear contacted soft tundra, causing the airplane to nosed over and sustain substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A certificated private pilot reported that while in cruise flight at an altitude of 1,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot stated that all attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, forcing him to select an open, swampy meadow as an emergency landing area.

Landing and Damage

During the landing roll, the airplane's main landing gear contacted soft tundra, causing the airplane to nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and tail.

Post-Accident Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) did not have access to the airplane or the engine after recovery, and was unable to perform a postaccident inspection.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause for this accident.

1998-11-03: Piper PA-12 (N5129Y) — Willow, AK