Accident Overview
On March 14, 2013, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a twin-engine Piper PA-23 airplane, registration N6008Y, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Tyonek, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated by the pilot under Title 14, CFR Part 91 as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Flight Details
The flight departed Merrill Field, Alaska, around 1430, en route to Nondalton, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on the same day, the pilot reported that while in level cruise flight, he encountered a snow squall. While attempting to fly through the squall, both engines began to run rough, followed by a total loss of engine power.
Pilot Actions and Forced Landing
When the engines lost power, the pilot switched fuel tanks, opened the alternate air doors, and turned on the auxiliary fuel pumps. The left engine regained power. However, while making a turn towards the nearest airport, the left engine lost power again. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a clearing in the trees. During the landing, the airplane impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Weather Information
The closest weather reporting facility was Kenai Airport, approximately 32 miles south of the accident site. About 7 minutes before the accident, at 1453, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) at Kenai Airport reported: wind from 360 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 3 statute miles, light snow, overcast clouds at 2,200 feet, temperature 19°F, dew point 13°F, altimeter 29.88 inHg.
Investigation Outcome
Due to the remote location, the airplane was not examined by the NTSB at the accident site, and the engines were not made available to the NTSB. As a result, no determination was made as to why both engines lost power.