# NTSB ANC92LA126: Piper PA-22, N9557D, Cinnibar, AK, August 9, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1992, 11:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Cinnibar, AK
- Coordinates: 60.809967, -161.849243 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.8100&lon=-161.8492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5773
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5773/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA126

## Probable cause

THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, AND ABOUT 10 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE ENGINE GRADUALLY LOST PARTIAL POWER, AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO THE BUSHES JUST OFF THE END OF THE REMOTE STRIP.  INFORMATION SURROUNDING THE ACCIDENT WAS VERY MINIMAL AND SKETCHY.  SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO GET MORE INFORMATION FROM THE PILOT AND PASSENGER.  THE WRECKAGE WAS NOT RECOVERED, AND THE CAUSE OF THE POWER LOSS WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9557D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9557D-2013-03-20), registration cancelled 2013-03-20, S/N 22-6474, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-160) (registry code 7102214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-6474
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John T. Smeaton Sr.
- Registered owner: Nick Smeaton
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: DLG, DILLINGHAM, AK
- Airport: NONE, Cinnabar, runway 9, 1,000 × 50 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 14,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F

## 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 19920809030379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920809030379A), Aug 9, 1992: Piper PA22160, Cinnibar, AK, Substantial damage. Failed to leave ground effect on takeoff then settled into an alder ravine. Pilot reported power loss. Unverified.

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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