Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot, on a previous flight the same day, while on final approach to the off-airport landing site, the engine lost all power. He applied carburetor heat and was able to restart the engine and landed uneventfully.
Following the event, the pilot sumped the fuel system and removed 7 vials of water. He then taxied for departure and completed an engine run-up. The engine briefly ran roughly and then began to smooth out with no anomalies noted. Just after departure, about 30 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The airplane impacted trees off the departure end of the airstrip and was destroyed by postcrash fire.
Due to the remote location of the accident site, the airplane was not recovered or examined after the accident; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC19LA008 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 27, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Whittier, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N7207A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.