BIG LAKE, AK, USA
N4431Z
PIPER PA-18-160
THE AIRPLANE HAD SPENT THREE YEARS IN THE SHOP BEING REBUILT AND THIS WAS ITS FIRST FLIGHT. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TOPPED OFF THE FUEL TANKS, PERFORMED A RUNUP AND THEN SAT ON THE END OF THE RUNWAY WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE COMMUNICATION RADIO. HE THEN TAXIED ONTO THE RUNWAY AND STARTED THE TAKEOFF. UPON REACHING 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND HE REDUCED THE POWER BY 200 RPM AND THE ENGINE DIED SUDDENLY. HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE AIRPLANE LANDED SHORT IN THE DITCH. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION AND ENGINE RUN SHOWED NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES WITH THE ENGINE OR AIRPLANE FUEL SYSTEM.
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN A DITCH.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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