Accident Details
On April 25, 2021, about 1828 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 140 (registration N77219) was substantially damaged during an accident near Birchwood Airport, Birchwood, Alaska. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal cross-country.
Flight History
The flight originated at Birchwood Airport with stops at Quartz Creek Airport and Homer Airport. After departing Homer with 15 gallons of fuel, the pilot flew toward Birchwood. During descent, carburetor heat was applied and remained on throughout descent and traffic pattern. On final approach for runway 20L, the pilot initiated a go-around, pushing the carburetor heat to cold and applying full power while reducing flaps. After accelerating to 60 knots and climbing, the engine lost all power when the airplane was about 100 feet above treetops. The pilot lowered the nose and banked toward tidal mud flats, attempting to restart the engine unsuccessfully. The airplane touched down in muskeg, bounced several times, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left lift strut.
Postaccident Examination
The airplane's gascolator was drained, revealing a small amount of sand-like contaminants and a few drops of liquid consistent with water. No other mechanical irregularities or malfunctions were found that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was a Continental C-85.
Fuel Considerations
The pilot reported a cruise power setting of 2200 rpm and performing maneuvers including stalls and steep turns. The Cessna 140 Operation Manual indicates a fuel burn of about 4.2 gallons per hour at cruise. With 15 gallons at departure from Homer and a flight duration of about 1.9 hours, approximately 8 gallons would have been burned, leaving about 7 gallons (3.5 per side). The pilot's manual states that takeoff should not be attempted with less than 1/4 tank (6.25 gallons). However, the accident airplane's fuel gauges lacked markings indicating this limitation. The airplane's Type Certificate Data Sheet did not require such a placard, though the manufacturer's drawing included markings. A manufacturer representative noted that fuel unporting could occur at takeoff and climb attitudes when fuel is below 1/4 full due to pickup tube location. Exact fuel remaining could not be determined due to wreckage disposition.