Piper PA 18-150 N9720P

Summary

On 27 November 2014 at about 20:17 local time, a Piper PA 18-150 registered N9720P, operated by Alaska West Air, INC, was involved in an accident near Nikiski, Alaska, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 November 2014 at 20:17

Classification

Accident

Location

Nikiski, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

60.8764, -152.0853

Aircraft

Piper PA 18-150

Registration

N9720P

Category

Airplane

Year built

1975

Engines

1

Operator

Alaska West Air, INC

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Kenai → Nikiski

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC15LA005

1 person was seriously injured.

The total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat while operating at low-power settings in an area conducive to carburetor icing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had flown the airplane for about 20 to 30 minutes to survey the area for possible landing sites. After choosing a landing site, the pilot completed the prelanding checklist, cycled the carburetor heat on, and then placed it in the "off" position. When the airplane was established on short final for landing, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks and applying carburetor heat, but engine power was not restored. The airplane subsequently collided with rising terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical problems that would have precluded normal operation. Another company pilot, who had landed his airplane at the same location only minutes before the accident airplane approached, stated that carburetor ice accumulated during the descent. Further, the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings. Therefore, it is likely that, as the pilot reduced engine power, carburetor ice formed, which caused the engine to lose power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.