Accident Overview
On January 22, 2019, at approximately 0915 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7640D) sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that while cruising over the tidal waters of Cook Inlet, he detected the smell of burning oil, followed immediately by a change in engine sound. He executed a 180-degree turn to head back to the southern shoreline. As the airplane neared the shore, the engine began to run rough and lose power. The pilot selected a snow-covered beach as a forced landing site. During touchdown, the main landing gear wheels contacted deep snow, causing the airplane to abruptly nose over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and found a loose oil cooler B-nut on the right side of the oil cooler. Significant oil streaking was observed on the right side of the fuselage, extending from the engine cowling to the empennage. The engine dipstick indicated no engine oil in the sump. A review of maintenance records showed no recent maintenance activity involving the oil cooler or adjacent engine components. In a follow-up conversation, the pilot noted that his preflight inspection, performed just before the accident flight, revealed no oil leaks and that he routinely checked the oil cooler area during every preflight.