During The Landing Roll The Right Wing Impacted A Street Sign And The Airplane Came To Rest In A Ditch

Location: Wasilla, AK Accident Number: ANC23LA013
Date & Time: January 13, 2023, Local Registration: N29886
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BL-65 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 13, 2023, about 1545 Alaska daylight time, a Taylorcraft BL-65 airplane, N29886, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wasilla, Alaska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, after a heavy snow fall, the forward fuel tank cap was found dislodged allowing snow to accumulate into the tank. On the day of the accident, the pilot said that during his preflight check, only a small amount of water was found in the forward fuel tank. The pilot said that after departure from Lake Hood Airport (LHD), the engine began to run rough, so he selected a remote road as a precautionary landing site. After landing, the pilot said he found additional water in the sump drain from the forward fuel tank.

The pilot’s mechanic then traveled to the airplane, drained fuel from the carburetor, and test ran the engine. The pilot then departed from the road back to LHD, and shortly after departure the engine began to run rough again. The pilot again elected to land on the road. During the landing roll the right wing impacted a street sign and the airplane came to rest in a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

A post-accident examination of the engine is pending.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov