Accident Details
On February 8, 2023, at about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-16 airplane, registration N5987H, was involved in an accident in Soldotna, Alaska. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot was not injured.
Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost partial power and then regained power. The pilot turned the airplane back toward the airport to perform an emergency landing. During the turn, a total loss of engine power occurred. Upon landing on airport property, the airplane impacted a snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a Piper PA-16. The pilot was the sole occupant and operator of the flight. The flight was conducted for personal purposes.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine, conducted with oversight by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The carburetor icing chart shows that the weather conditions at the time were conducive for carburetor ice at glide or cruise power.