Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that on departure the engine lost then regained power. The pilot turned the airplane back toward the airport to land and, during the turn, a total loss of engine power occurred. The airplane impacted a snowbank during the landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 08, 2023, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-16 airplane, N5987H sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Soldotna, Alaska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost partial power then regained power. The pilot turned the airplane back to the airport to perform an emergency landing. While in the turn, a total loss of engine power occurred and upon landing on airport property, the airplane impacted a snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the engine, with oversight by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The carburetor icing chart shows the weather conditions were conducive for carburetor ice at glide or cruise power.