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Engine Failure and Forced Landing After Loss of Power (N6969H)

Anchorage, AK, US

On June 1, 2002, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N6969H) operated by Benjamin M Wilkinson was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of a fuel tank that did not contain a usable quantity of fuel. Factors associated with the accident are the dirt berm, meteorological conditions conducive to carburetor icing, and carburetor ice. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying at 600 ft msl over water experienced a loss of engine rpm. After applying carburetor heat and switching fuel tanks, the engine quit. During an emergency landing, the airplane hit a berm, collapsing the left main gear and nosing over.

Accident Sequence

The pilot of the accident airplane was flying at 600 feet msl crossing a body of water when he noticed a loss of engine rpm. He pulled on the carburetor heat and switched from the right wing fuel tank to the left wing fuel tank. The engine rpm increased momentarily, and then the engine quit. The pilot turned toward land and made an emergency landing.

During the landing, the airplane encountered a dirt berm. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over.

Meteorological Conditions

The meteorological conditions at the time included a temperature of 9 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 7 degrees Celsius, with visible moisture. Under these conditions, a carburetor icing probability chart reflects serious icing at any power setting.

Postaccident Examination

During the postaccident examination, the fuel selector valve was found with the left wing fuel tank selected. There was no usable fuel found in the left wing tank, and no evidence of any fuel leak was discovered.

Fuel exhaustion & starvationIcing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2002 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A pilot flying at 600 ft msl over water experienced a loss of engine rpm. After applying carburetor heat and switching fuel tanks, the engine quit. During an emergency landing, the airplane hit a berm, collapsing the left main gear and nosing over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2002 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N6969H, operated by Benjamin M Wilkinson, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of a fuel tank that did not contain a usable quantity of fuel. Factors associated with the accident are the dirt berm, meteorological conditions conducive to carburetor icing, and carburetor ice.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020612X00854. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.