Accident Overview
On November 4, 2015, at about 1345 Alaska standard time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, registration N4611U, is presumed to have sustained substantial damage during impact with ocean waters approximately 23 miles southeast of Haines, Alaska, following a reported loss of engine power. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The four occupants—the certificated private pilot and three passengers—sustained injuries: the pilot and two passengers suffered minor injuries, and one passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed Juneau Airport at 1313 en route to Haines Airport.
Sequence of Events
Shortly before the accident, a pilot of another aircraft in the area reported hearing a "Mayday" call from N4611U stating that the engine had failed near Eldred Rock and that the pilot was attempting to land on the east side of Lynn Canal. No further communications were received. The distress call was relayed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control Tower at Juneau Airport. The airplane descended into Lynn Canal, which leads to Icy Strait and then to the Gulf of Alaska. The area features remote inland fjords, coastal waterways, and steep mountainous terrain. Water depth in Lynn Canal can reach about 2,000 feet, and at the accident location it is estimated at 600 to 780 feet.
Pilot and Passenger Accounts
During an interview on November 5, a passenger stated that after the pilot completed a walk-around inspection, they departed Juneau. While cruising near the Kensington Mine, they felt a drop similar to turbulence accompanied by a change in engine noise, and engine speed began to decrease. The pilot pumped the engine fuel primer, producing a momentary power increase followed by a total loss of power. The pilot searched for a beach landing but, due to rocks, elected to ditch near the shoreline. During touchdown, the main landing gear skipped across the water several times before the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The occupants extricated themselves, stood on the wing briefly, then swam to shore.
In a telephone conversation on November 6, the pilot stated that before departing Haines for Juneau earlier, he added more than 38 gallons of fuel, filling both wing tanks. He estimated fuel burn at 10 to 12 gallons per hour, and the flight to Juneau was uneventful. Prior to the return flight, he conducted a walk-around and noted no anomalies. When the engine started, fuel gauges read between 3/4 and 7/8 full. After passing Eagle Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Juneau, both fuel gauges indicated zero. He checked the circuit breakers and, as the engine ran normally, climbed to 2,500 feet msl. He tapped the gauges, and the right gauge increased to between 1/4 and 3/8. Believing the indication was due to an electrical malfunction, he continued toward Haines. Near Haines, the engine lost all power. Restart attempts by pumping the primer increased propeller speed but did not start the engine. No odor of aviation fuel was detected in the cabin. Unable to find a safe landing area on the beach, he ditched. The airplane nosed over, and all four occupants swam for 10 to 15 minutes before reaching shore.
Rescue and Search
An alert notice was issued by the FAA Juneau Flight Service Station at 1448. A search by the U.S. Coast Guard and two civilian air carriers ensued. Around 1500, Temsco Helicopters and the Coast Guard located the four occupants on a beach on the east side of Lynn Canal. All were suffering from hypothermia. Three were taken to Temsco Helicopters, where an ambulance transported them to the hospital; one was transported directly from the beach.
Weather and Fuel Information
The closest weather reporting facility, Haines Airport, about 23 miles northwest of the accident site, reported at 1254: wind 290 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 20 knots, clear sky, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 39°F, dewpoint 30°F, altimeter 29.89 inHg. According to the pilot, fuel consumption from Haines to Juneau was about 12 gallons from 65 gallons total, leaving about 53 gallons. At 12 gph, endurance was about 4 hours 40 minutes. The distance between Juneau and Haines is about 66 nautical miles, with an estimated flight time of about 1 hour. Estimated fuel remaining upon reaching Haines would have been about 41 gallons.
Wreckage Recovery
To date, the airplane has not been recovered; therefore, a wreckage examination is not possible. Should the airplane be recovered, a detailed examination will occur.