Accident Details
On January 13, 2023, at approximately 1530 Alaska daylight time, a Taylorcraft BL-65 airplane, registration N29886, was substantially damaged during an accident near Point Mackenzie, Alaska. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during the previous month, following a heavy snowfall, the nose fuel tank cap was found dislodged, allowing snow to accumulate in the tank. On the day of the accident, during the preflight inspection, the pilot sampled fuel from the tank and discovered water in the fuel. He drained fuel until no further water was visible. He then departed from Lake Hood Airport (LHD). During cruise flight, the engine began to run rough. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a road.
Subsequent Actions
After landing, the pilot again drained fuel from the tank and found water present. He drained fuel until the water was no longer visible. The pilot's mechanic then responded to the site to assist. The mechanic drained all fuel from the carburetor to ensure no water remained. After these steps, the engine was started and ran smoothly for about 10 minutes. The pilot then departed from the road to return to LHD. Shortly after takeoff, the engine again began to run rough. The pilot performed another precautionary landing back onto the road. During the landing roll, the right wing struck a street sign, and the airplane came to rest in a ditch. The right wing sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed water in fuel samples drained from the gascolator and carburetor. No other anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal engine operation.