Piper PA-18 N9189D accident near Wasilla, Alaska

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that he was conducting test flights around the airport after having a new engine installed on the airplane. During the first flight, he flew around the airport traffic pattern and then landed uneventfully. During the second flight, he noticed that the engine was not running smoothly. He landed the airplane and, after sumping the fuel tanks and performing an engine run-up with the mechanic who had installed the engine, he departed again. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane began sputtering and lost all power. The pilot switched fuel tanks in an attempt to restart the engine without success and then executed a forced landing, during which the airplane was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15LA044 for the full record.