# NTSB ANC92LA174: Piper PA-18, N226T, New Stuyahok, AK, September 18, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1992, 18:30 local (Sep 18, 1992, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: New Stuyahok, AK
- Coordinates: 59.490997, -157.290512 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.4910&lon=-157.2905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5813
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA174
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5813/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA174

## Probable cause

FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION BY WATER AND POOR PREFLIGHT INSPECTION AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.  THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY FLOAT PLANE LANDING WAS A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - fuel system - contamination (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

WITNESSES TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT THE PILOT, AN ASSISTANT GUIDE, DEPARTED THE LODGE IN A HURRY AFTER RECEIVING A PHONE CALL FROM HIS WIFE. THESE WITNESSES STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THE AIRCRAFT TO HAVE FUEL LIMITED TO HALF THE DISTANCE TO HIS DESIRED DESTINATION, NEAR HOMER, AK. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) REPORTED THE WEATHER AS LOW CEILINGS AND VISIBILITY. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED BY SEARCH AIRCRAFT THE FOLLOWING MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES NORTH OF THE DIRECT TRACK TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION. THE PILOT TOLD A STATE TROOPER THAT HIS 'ENGINE QUIT ON ONE TANK, (AND HE) SWITCHED TANKS BUT IT DIDN'T CATCH.' (ENGINE DID NOT RESTART). THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN UNDER PILOT CONTROLLED FLIGHT. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND A MIXTURE OF FUEL, WATER AND DEBRIS IN THE FUEL STRAINER AND LINE TO THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N226T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N226T), registered now, S/N 18-2340, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18 105](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-105) (registry code 7101809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-2340
- Airframe hours: 3803
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: David R. Shetler
- Registered owner: Laura F. Shetler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 28, 1992, 325 hours before
- Departed: PAINTER CREEK, AK
- Destination: ENA, NIKISKI, KENAI, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,600 total, 950 in this make and model, 2,541 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dusk
- Wind: 190° at 15 knots, gusting 23
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLG, 40 nm away

## 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 19920917037749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920917037749A), Sep 17, 1992: Piper PA18105, New Stuylahok, AK, Substantial damage. Lost power en route 60 miles off course in low ceiling and fog. Floatplane crashed on tundra. Found water in fuel.

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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