NTSB Factual Report

On September 10, 2010, about 1800 Alaska daylight time, a tailwheel equipped Piper PA-20 airplane, N7414K, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing and collision with trees, about one-quarter mile northeast of the South Naknek Airport, South Naknek, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo non-certificated pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed the Naknek Airport, Naknek, Alaska, about 1755.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on September 10, the pilot said he was on a short, 5 minute flight from Naknek to South Naknek. He said as he approached his destination airport, the airplane's engine started to lose power. He said he applied carburetor heat, but it had no effect, and he turned the heat off. He said there were airplanes in the destination airport's pattern, and he extended his approach to the pattern. The pilot said he again applied carburetor heat with no effect. The engine continued to lose power, and he said he decided to land on a roadway. The pilot said the airplane landed hard, exited the roadway, and collided with trees, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Due to its remote location, the airplane was not examined by the NTSB.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason, resulting in an emergency landing and collision with terrain.