ANC07LA086

The solo private pilot stated that the engine lost power while in cruise on a cross country personal flight. During the off-airport forced landing, the airplane collided with brush and nosed over in swampy terrain. The pilot said there was ample fuel in the tanks, and that the weather was clear with calm wind. A partial examination of the engine disclosed no definitive information why the engine lost power.

On August 17, 2007, about 0915 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Aeronca AR-15 airplane, N1407H, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and forced landing in swampy terrain, about 2 miles east of Clear, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The flight departed the Chena Marina airport, Fairbanks, Alaska, about 0650, and was en route to Healy, Alaska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed for the cross country, Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 18, the pilot related that he was cruising at 4,300 feet msl, when the engine power decreased, and he was unable to maintain altitude. He said he was unable to restore engine power, and landed in a swampy area. The airplane nosed over during the landing roll, and sustained substantial damage to the wings and tail section. The pilot stated that he did not know why the engine lost power, that he had ample fuel, and that he had checked the fuel tanks for contamination prior to leaving Fairbanks.

A partial examination of the engine several weeks after the accident by an FAA inspector disclosed that there was rust and particulate matter in the gascolator, but no obvious signs of a catastrophic failure of the engine or its accessories.