Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to effectively use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power, off-airport landing, and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while enroute, the airplane encountered carburetor icing, and he made a precautionary landing on an off-airport snow-covered airstrip. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA008 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 26, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N1380A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.