Piper PA 18A N2791P

Summary

On 21 December 2015 at about 23:00 local time, a Piper PA 18A registered N2791P, operated by Okonek Kellie L, was involved in an accident near Girdwood, Alaska, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 December 2015 at 23:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Girdwood, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Girdwood (AQY)

Coordinates

60.9400, -149.1500

Aircraft

Piper PA 18A

Registration

N2791P

Category

Airplane

Year built

1955

Engines

1

Operator

Okonek Kellie L

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Girdwood → Girdwood

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA16CA102

Nobody was injured.

Fuel contamination resulting in the loss of engine power, a forced landing on a highway, and subsequent right wing impact with highway signage.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane departed the runway and climbed to 3000 feet above ground level. She reported that while maneuvering, the airplane lost engine power. After several attempts to restart the engine, the pilot made a forced landing on a highway bridge. She reported that during the landing roll, the airplane's right wing struck a sign that was affixed to the bridge. According to the pilot, at the time of the accident, there were twenty gallons of fuel on board the airplane. She reported that the airframe and power plant mechanic removed approximately two cups of water from the fuel tanks after the accident in preparation for the airplane's recovery. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar and aileron.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.