20001216041869A

(-23) On Saturday December 16, 2000, the pilot/owner and passenger were on a local flight in the vicinity of King Salmon, Alaska. The pilot stated that before takeoff, during a thorough preflight, he found a small amount of water in one of the wing tanks. He drained the sump several times to make sure he got all of the water out. After an uneventful flight of over one hour, they were returning to King Salmon Airport for landing. They had been cleared by the tower for a straight in runway 11, had reported a two-mile final and had completed the landing checklist when the engine began to sputter. The pilot said the he immediately checked the carburetor temperature gauge then made sure the fuel selector was on both. When he tried to adjust the throttle, the engine stopped running. The pilot made an emergency landing just short of the end of runway 11. On landing, the aircraft hit four of the airport approach light system stanchions, which sheared off nicely as they are supposed to. Unfortunately, the cement blocks that support the light stanchions are above ground and caused substantial damage to the aircraft. Upon later investigation, a mechanic, Mr. Bill strode, found water in the carburetor.