Accident Piper PA-18 N9264D, Sunday 8 January 1995

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Date:	Sunday 8 January 1995
Time:	11:30 LT
Type:	Piper PA-18
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N9264D
MSN:	18-6562
Year of manufacture:	1958
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-A2B
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Wasilla, AK - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
AFTER DRAINING THE MAIN WING FUEL TANKS FROM AN AIRPLANE THAT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DEPARTED FROM AN AIRSTRIP ON A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED TO IDLE AND THE PILOT PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES, SHEARING OFF THE WINGS. A POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE GASCOLATOR WAS FROZEN. THE PILOT LAST OBTAINED A STUDENT PILOT/MEDICAL CERTIFICATE IN 1981; HOWEVER, HE REPORTED HAVING ACCRUED 1,860 FLIGHT HOURS.

Probable Cause: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE A FROZEN GASCOLATOR, AND RESTRICTED FUEL SUPPLY.

Accident investigation: