Shortly After Takeoff, The Engine Lost Partial Power... Upon Landing, The Airplane Impacted A Snowbank

Location: Soldotna, AK Accident Number: ANC23LA020
Date & Time: February 8, 2023, 17:00 Local Registration: N5987H
Aircraft: Piper PA-16 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On February 8, 2023, about 1700 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-16 airplane, N5987H sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Soldotna, Alaska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The airplane departed from Runway 07 at the Soldotna Airport (SXQ), Soldotna. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. The pilot then turned the airplane back to the airport to land, and upon landing, the airplane impacted a snowbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

A post-accident examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov