Accident Overview
On December 31, 2009, about 1400 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, registration N146T, sustained substantial damage when it collided with snow-covered terrain following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Runway 31 at Willow Airport, Willow, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The sole occupant, a private pilot, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was returning to the pilot's private airstrip in Wasilla, Alaska.
Witness and Pilot Statements
An Alaska state trooper who responded to the scene shortly after the accident reported that the pilot had already exited the airplane and was waiting for rescue. The pilot told the trooper that just after takeoff, as the airplane climbed to 200 feet agl, all engine power was lost. He initiated a left turn back to the airport, followed by a rapid, nose- and left-wing-low descent. The airplane hit snow-covered terrain about 275 yards west of the departure end of Runway 31, came to rest inverted, and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane perform a series of touch-and-go landings on Runway 31 prior to refueling. After refueling, the airplane departed on the accident takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
On January 1, 2010, two FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the airplane before recovery. They reported that the undamaged fuel valve selector handle was found near the off position. No mechanical anomalies were identified.
Pilot Interview
Due to his injuries, the pilot was not interviewed until February 2, 2010. He stated that after touch-and-go landings, he purchased fuel from a self-serve vendor, filling both wing tanks. He then taxied to a friend's hangar, visited briefly, and then taxied to Runway 31, starting his takeoff immediately. Just after takeoff, all engine power was lost. Unable to restore power, he turned left 180 degrees to attempt an emergency landing on Runway 13, but the aircraft descended rapidly, nosed over after impact. The pilot could not recall whether he closed the fuel valve while fueling, during the visit, or inadvertently moved it while boarding in heavy insulated overalls.
Pilot Report
In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot indicated no preaccident mechanical problems. In the recommendations section, he wrote: "Do checklist" and "land straight ahead when the engine stops."