19990509020439A

On may 9, 1999, approximately 1420 pacific daylight time, the pilot of a Piper PA-18-150, N7483L, collided with tall brush while attempting a forced landing in a field about 1/2 mile short of the runway at Mcnary field, Salem, Oregon. The private pilot was not injured, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The local 14 CFR part 91 flight, which was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions, began about one hour and 20 minutes prior to the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, he started a descent from about 2,000 feet above the ground (AGL) about five miles out from the airport. About half way through the descent, the pilot pulled the throttle to idle but did not apply carburetor heat. When he was about 400 feet AGL, the pilot moved the throttle forward, but there was no response from the engine. He therefore made a forced landing in a field about 1/2 mile from the runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with tall shrubs and sustained substantial damage. (-23)N7483L reported loss of power on 3/4 mile final to sle, in field 1/2 mile south of approach end of rwy 34. No injuries, sole person on board, no fire. Mr. Nunn said, on approach he operated the carb heat and then shut it off per operating procedures.