NEW STUYAHOK, AK, USA
N226T
PIPER PA-18
WITNESSES TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT THE PILOT, AN ASSISTANT GUIDE, DEPARTED THE LODGE IN A HURRY AFTER RECEIVING A PHONE CALL FROM HIS WIFE. THESE WITNESSES STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THE AIRCRAFT TO HAVE FUEL LIMITED TO HALF THE DISTANCE TO HIS DESIRED DESTINATION, NEAR HOMER, AK. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) REPORTED THE WEATHER AS LOW CEILINGS AND VISIBILITY. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED BY SEARCH AIRCRAFT THE FOLLOWING MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES NORTH OF THE DIRECT TRACK TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION. THE PILOT TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT HIS 'ENGINE QUIT ON ONE TANK, (AND HE) SWITCHED TANKS BUT IT DIDN'T CATCH.' (ENGINE DID NOT RESTART). THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN UNDER PILOT CONTROLLED FLIGHT. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND A MIXTURE OF FUEL, WATER AND DEBRIS IN THE FUEL STRAINER AND LINE TO THE CARBURETOR.
FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION BY WATER AND POOR PREFLIGHT INSPECTION AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY FLOAT PLANE LANDING WAS A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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