At about 1200 Alaska time, a Piper PA-18-160 struck a frozen river while maneuvering at low altitude about 80 miles northwest of Skwentna. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The pilot said he had been flying about 100 feet above the ground at a reduced power setting. He said he had initiated a 90 degree downwind turn, and hit a sinker, which pushed the airplane toward the ground. He immediately applied full power, but the engine did not respond with maximum power. The pilot said it is possible the engine had accumulated carburetor ice.
May 03, Skwentna, Alaska / Piper Super Cub
At about 1200 Alaska time, a Piper PA-18-160 struck a frozen river while maneuvering at low altitude about 80 miles northwest of Skwentna. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The pilot said he had been flying about 100 feet above the ground at a reduced power setting. He said he had initiated a 90 degree downwind turn, and hit a sinker, which pushed the airplane toward the ground. He immediately applied full power, but the engine did not respond with maximum power. The pilot said it is possible the engine had accumulated carburetor ice....
Key Takeaways:
- A Piper PA-18-160 struck a frozen river while maneuvering at low altitude 80 miles northwest of Skwentna, Alaska.
- The pilot and passenger were not injured in the incident.
- The pilot reported encountering a downdraft ("sinker") during a downwind turn, and the engine failed to respond with maximum power when full throttle was applied.
- Carburetor ice is suspected as the possible cause for the engine's power loss.
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