Piper PA-18-180 N6774B accident near Shoshoni, Wyoming

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, during a wildlife aerial observation flight, the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The pilot checked the fuel selector and magnetos and applied carburetor heat. Because he was unable to get the engine started again, he executed a forced landing on rough/uneven terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane went off a low bank, contacted the terrain at the bottom of the bank, and sustained substantial damage. At the time of the accident, the airplane had about one hour of fuel remaining, and the postaccident inspection, which included a successful engine run, did not find any anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of power. The ambient temperature and dew point were outside of the range at which carburetor icing would be expected to occur.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11TA087 for the full record.