Accident Overview
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 1642 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-18-150 airplane, registered as N2447J, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Wasilla, Alaska. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal operation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to the pilot, the flight departed Tidewater Airport (77AK) around 1500. The pilot first flew to another airport where he completed about 15 practice landings before returning to 77AK. After landing, he decided to depart again to practice touch-and-go landings. During the final approach to runway 01 with carburetor heat engaged, the engine suddenly lost total power when the airplane was approximately 400 to 450 feet above ground level. Judging that the altitude was insufficient to glide to the runway, the pilot selected a nearby hay field as a forced landing site. During the landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the terrain, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. Post-accident, the pilot observed fuel leaking from the damaged right wing and positioned the fuel selector to the left tank to reduce the leak.
Engine Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal operation. The examination included disassembly of the carburetor heat control cable, which showed no discrepancies. Fuel recovery totaled about 8 gallons from the left wing, about 14.5 gallons from the right wing, and about 2.5 gallons from the fuselage sump drains.
Environmental Conditions
The recorded temperature near the accident site was 39°F, with a dew point of 19°F. A review of the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart from the FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, dated June 30, 2009, indicated that these conditions were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings. The SAIB notes that pilots should ensure proper carburetor heat functionality during before-takeoff checks and use carburetor heat on approach and descent when operating at low power settings or in conditions where carburetor icing is probable.