# NTSB ANC87LA044: Piper PA-11, N4724M, Nenana, AK, March 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 5, 1987, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Nenana, AK
- Coordinates: 64.469039, -148.569076 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.4690&lon=-148.5691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4827
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4827/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA044

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - lubricating system - frozen (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,oil - pressure too low (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOST CONTROL ON TAKEOFF, STALLED AND CRASHED ON A FROZEN LAKE. DURING THE INTERVIEW WITH THE PILOT, HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE QUIT ON INITIAL CLIMBOUT; HE BELIEVED HE DID NOT PRE-HEAT THE ENGINE LONG ENOUGH BEFORE TAKEOFF. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE WAS -5 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4724M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4724M), registered now, S/N 11-236, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-11
- Registry model: [Piper PA-11](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-11) (registry code 7101102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11236
- Airframe hours: 2928
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bartholomew J. Mcdonald
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 13, 1986, 41 hours before
- Departed: NORTH POLE, AK
- Destination: FAI, FAIRBANKS, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 400 total, 400 in this make and model, 380 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -6 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19870305005389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870305005389A), Mar 5, 1987: Piper PA11, Nenana, AK, Substantial damage. The engine failed on takeoff and the aircraft impacted the frozen lake. Pilot suspects inadequate preheating.

## Other investigations on N4724M (1)

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.

- [NTSB ANC89LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA002), Oct 2, 1988: Piper PA-11 (N4724M), Levelock, AK, substantial damage

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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