# NTSB ANC84LA109: Aeronca 15AC, N1436H, Ester, AK, July 1, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1984, 16:30 local (Jul 1, 1984, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Ester, AK
- Location: 64.8472° N, 148.0144° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Ester, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.8472&lon=-148.0144&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4318
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84LA109
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4318/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA109

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - lubricating system,oil line - burst (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lubricating system,oil line - worn (cause)
  - maintenance,replacement - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS LANDED IN THE TOPS OF SMALL SPRUCE TREES AFTER THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE AND WAS SHUT DOWN. THE PLT LATER ADMITTED THAT THE OIL LINES NEEDED RELACEMENT ON THE LAST ANNUAL ON 06-22-84 BUT HE POSTPONED IT AND LATER FORGOT TO DO IT IN THE EXCITEMENT OF RE-FLYING ON FLOATS AFTER A 2 YEAR LAY-OFF. A BADLY DETERIORATED OIL OUTLET LINE FROM THE OIL COOLER HAD FAILED LOSING OIL AND PRESSURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1436H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1436H-2015-05-04), registration cancelled 2015-05-04, S/N 15AC-501, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 15AC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 15AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-15ac) (registry code 0191202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 151C
- Airframe hours: 2000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Howard Francis Bates
- Registered owner: Wallace B. Murcray
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, June 22, 1984, 10 hours before
- Departed: FAI, FAIRBANKS, AK
- Destination: MINTO LAKES, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,386 total, 45 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAI

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840630033809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840630033809A), Jun 30, 1984: Aronca 15AC, Ester, AK, Substantial damage. Deteriorated oil pressure line burst. Engine lost power. Struck trees trying to land the float plane in a pond.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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