Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting a local flight when the engine started to surge and run rough. He attempted to troubleshoot the problem, but was not able to restore engine power and located a precautionary landing site at an abandoned airstrip. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted right, and the right wing impacted vegetation, which resulted in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.
A postaccident examination of the engine, airframe, and propeller revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC19LA027 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 12, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hope, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Helio H391
- N-number
- N10CJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1958
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.