March 2016 NTSB Reports

At 1945 Eastern time, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, was force-landed on a road and struck a telephone pole with the left wing. The commercial pilot and the passenger were both seriously injured. Visual conditions existed.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Many accidents involved a loss or partial loss of engine power, frequently leading to forced landings and substantial aircraft damage.
Pilot judgment errors, such as VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), fuel mismanagement, or misjudging landing conditions, contributed to several incidents, including fatal ones.
Mechanical failures, including landing gear malfunctions, in-flight structural breakups, or loss of control during maneuvering, also resulted in significant damage or fatal accidents.

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January 1, 2016, Newman Lake, Washington
Piper PA-18-135 Super Cub

At about 1530 Pacific time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing following a partial loss of engine power. The solo private pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

After reaching the destination, he overflew the airstrip to judge the depth of the snow on the runway. While maneuvering, the pilot observed a power reduction. After attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing on the snow-covered airstrip. On touchdown, the main landing gear dug into the snow and the airplane nosed over, with substantial damage.