Accident Details
On March 28, 2021, at about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18-A, registration N1968P, was substantially damaged in an accident near Anchorage, Alaska. The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot reported departing with approximately 18 gallons of fuel onboard. He initially selected the left fuel tank for takeoff and switched to the right tank after reaching cruise flight. Approaching the destination, he switched the fuel selector back to the left tank for landing and applied carburetor heat. After being asked to extend his landing due to traffic, he slowed to approach speed, applied half flaps, and began his final approach.
During the final approach, the engine experienced a partial loss of power followed by a complete loss. The pilot switched the fuel selector back to the right tank and turned off the carburetor heat while pitching for best glide speed. Unable to clear obstacles, he turned left to align with a nearby road, applied full flaps, and declared an emergency. During the forced landing, the left wing struck a light pole, causing the airplane to spin left and impact the ground in a nose-down attitude. After stopping, the pilot noted fuel leaking from behind him, moved the fuel selector to OFF, and exited without further incident.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. During recovery, about 4.4 gallons of fuel were drained from the airplane, approximately 2 gallons per wing tank.
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the recovered aircraft. The gascolator yielded about two cups of clean fuel. Engine controls and cables were attached with continuity established. The carburetor was broken from the engine mount and contained no fuel. The fuel system showed continuity with no blockages. Spark plugs appeared normal, and the engine had internal continuity and compression on all cylinders. Magnetos were tested and operated as designed. No preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions were found that would have precluded normal operation.
Carburetor icing probability was assessed using temperature and dew point data at the time of the accident; the graph indicated a low likelihood of carburetor icing conditions.