Casualties unknown

2007-09-21: Piper PA-18 (N4468Z) — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, US

On September 21, 2007, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4468Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat control, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed to preclude a stall. Contributing to the accident was carburetor icing conditions. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A non-certificated pilot lost engine power after adjusting the mixture control while preparing to land at a remote site. The airplane stalled from about 50 feet above the ground and collided with the terrain. The pilot noted rain in the vicinity and conditions ideal for carburetor icing, but reported no mechanical malfunction.

Incident Overview

A pilot without proper certification was preparing to land at a remote landing site when an engine power loss occurred. According to the pilot's account, the event began after he moved the engine mixture control to the full rich position. Shortly thereafter, the engine rpm began to decrease. When the pilot then moved the mixture control back toward its previous lean setting, the engine lost power entirely.

Circumstances and Weather

The pilot reported that rain was present in the vicinity at the time. He described the weather conditions as "ideal for carburetor icing," a condition known to affect engine performance in certain atmospheric conditions. However, the pilot did not attribute the power loss to any mechanical issue, stating that he did not believe there was a mechanical malfunction.

Sequence of Events

The loss of power occurred at a critical phase of flight as the pilot was setting up for landing. From an altitude of approximately 50 feet above the ground, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequently collided with the ground. The pilot did not report any occupant injuries or provide details on the extent of aircraft damage.

Pilot Statement

In his report, the pilot emphasized that he did not suspect any mechanical failure or malfunction as the cause of the engine power loss. The exact reason for the power loss remains unconfirmed based on the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070927X01455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.