Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Aborts Landing on Sand Bar, Engine Loses Power and Airplane Noses Over in River (N3391Z)

Kenai, AK, US

On November 11, 1998, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N3391Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attributed the engine power loss to carburetor ice resulting from not using carburetor heat during the aborted landing. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot aborted a landing on a sand bar after determining the area was too short. When advancing the throttle, the engine quit, and the airplane went down an embankment into a river and nosed over. The pilot attributed the power loss to carburetor ice from not using carburetor heat.

Accident Details

A private pilot was attempting to land on a remote sand bar. As the airplane touched down, the pilot determined that the landing area was too short to complete a safe landing and attempted to abort the landing. When the throttle was advanced, the engine quit. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane before reaching the end of the sand bar. The airplane went down an embankment, entered a river, and nosed over.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he did not use carburetor heat during the aborted landing. He stated that carburetor ice was the reason for the loss in power and that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and the right wing lift strut.

Probable cause

The pilot attributed the engine power loss to carburetor ice resulting from not using carburetor heat during the aborted landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11357. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.