No fatalities

21 Sep 2010: PIPER PA-18-150 — Skwentna, AK

Skwentna, AK, United States

On 21 Sep 2010, a PIPER PA-18-150 was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's rapid application of throttle and carburetor heat causing the engine to hesitate and lose power during takeoff following an aborted landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane sustained substantial fuselage damage after aborting a landing on a lake and landing hard on nearby tundra. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a float-equipped airplane was conducting a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. The landing approach was to a lake. Shortly after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to turn, prompting the pilot to abort the landing.

Engine Response and Descent

The pilot applied full throttle and carburetor heat to initiate a takeoff. The engine then "stumbled and hesitated," and the airplane was unable to climb. It subsequently descended and landed hard on the tundra adjacent to the lake, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Occupants and Injuries

The pilot and the sole passenger were not injured.

Pilot's Observations

In a written report to the NTSB, the pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane that contributed to the accident. He further noted that he should have applied the carburetor heat more slowly while operating at altitude.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation