20180821011929A

-Initial departure the day of the accident was from 78AA in north pole, AK. After discussion with fss and anchorage center the night before regarding a local TFR, departure was delayed until the TFR was lifted. Weather was obtained through the Alaska aviation weather unit website as well as reference to weather cameras available near the route of flight. NOTAMS were checked using defense internet NOTAM service (dins). All information supported a flight under VMC to our intended destination in the eastern brooks range.

The first leg was flown to a gravel bar on the porcupine river for a short stop followed by continued flight to an unmarked, but frequently used landing area at near the head waters of the kongakut river to rendezvous with another aircraft. Total flight time was 3.6 hrs. After a couple hour break, the decision was made to continue down river to another area of sizable gravel bars for landing. Checked oil quantity and verified the fuel totalizer calculated fuel remaining of 34 gallons by use of a fuel dip stick.

Take-off was normal and a climb was initiated to approximately 5000 ft to loiter in the area as other potential landing sights were evaluated by the other aircraft. After a couple of orbits, the accident aircraft departed to the previously planned destination down river. Upon arrival in the area, winds were observed out of the north at approximately 10 mph with unlimited visibility and high ceilings (all peaks in the area were visible). Two patterns were flown over the area to observe potential landing sights and one location had been selected for further investigation. A left hand pattern was initiated with flaps at 20 degrees with the intention of making a low and slow pass over the location to search for any obstacles that might not be visible from a higher altitude. After rolling out of a left hand turn heading south, on a downwind leg at an estimated 500-800FT above the potential landing area, the pilot felt a loss of thrust. Wings were kept level and back pressure on the yoke relaxed to maintain aircraft control. The propeller was still windmilling, but not making power. The pilot pushed the mixture, prop, and throttle controls to full rich/max in an attempt to restart. Still descending, an attempt was made to restart by pressing and holding the emergency fuel boost pump switch. The engine restarted and sounded like it was accelerating towards full power when the aircraft impacted the ground.