ANC21FA028

Before landing, the pilot selected a different fuel tank, and during final approach, the engine lost total power. The pilot switched fuel tanks while maneuvering the airplane for a forced landing, during which the left wing impacted a light pole and the airplane spun to the left before impacting the ground in a nose-down attitude. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information. The temperature and due point spread made it unlikely for carburetor icing conditions at the time of the accident.

On March 28, 2021, about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18-A, N1968P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Anchorage, Alaska. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed with about 18 gallons of fuel onboard the airplane and initially selected the left fuel tank for takeoff, and then switched to the right fuel tank after the airplane was established in cruise flight. Nearing the destination, he switched the fuel tank selector back to the left fuel tank for landing and applied the carburetor heat. He added that, the traffic he was following was asked to extend their landing for additional traffic and requested a long landing. He subsequently slowed the airplane to approach speed for spacing and applied half flaps. As the pilot was starting his final approach, the engine lost partial power, followed by a complete loss of power. He switched the fuel tank selector back to the right fuel tank and turned off the carburetor heat while pitching to obtain best glide speed. Unable to clear the obstacles, he “turned left (south)” to line up with a nearby road. He then applied full flaps and declared an emergency. During the forced landing, the left wing impacted a light pole and the airplane spun to the left before impacting the ground in a nose-down attitude. When the airplane came to a stop, the pilot stated there was gas “pouring out of something” behind him. He moved the fuel selector to the “OFF” position and exited the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. When the temperature and dew point were entered into the Federal Aviation’s carburetor icing probability graph, it revealed a low likelihood of carburetor icing conditions. During the recovery from the accident site, about 4.4 gallons of fuel was drained from the airplane, about 2 gallons per wing tank. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after recovery. He drained about 2 cups of clean fuel out of the gascolator. The engine controls and cables were all attached, and continuity was established. He noted that the carburetor was broken on the engine mount and contained no fuel. The fuel system exhibited continuity with no blockages noted. The spark plugs appeared normal and the engine exhibited internal continuity. Compression was found on all cylinders. The magnetos were removed and sent to a local test facility, where they operated as designed. No preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions were found with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.