# NTSB ANC85LA160: Piper PA-18, N83545, Yuki River, AK, August 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1985, 21:50 local (Aug 23, 1985, 05:50 UTC)
- Place: Yuki River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4550
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA160
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4550/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA160

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,tank - contamination (cause)
  - fuel system,filter - water (cause)
  - fuel system,filter - water (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING A NORMAL CRUISE THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A EMERGENCY LANDING ON THE YUKI RIVER. DURING THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE NO MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS NOTED. WATER WAS LOCATED IN BOTH THE FUEL TANKS AND FUEL LINES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83545](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N83545), registered now, S/N 18-7709072, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 187709072
- Airframe hours: 800
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Judith A. Ruppert
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 16, 1985, 90 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 145 total, 44 in this make and model, 92 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19850822040369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850822040369A), Aug 22, 1985: Piper PA18150, Yuki River, AK, Substantial damage. Struck trees during night emergency landing after engine quit. Water in fuel tanks and lines.

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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