# Service difficulty reports: Piper PA-18

A list on [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18.md).

Newest first. General aviation reporting is voluntary.

- [SDR 2026FA0000476](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2026FA0000476.md): Strut · fractured · Mar 3, 2026 · N1532V · Piper PA18 · Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/Truck
  > PIPER PA-18 EXPERIENCED RIGHT HAND LANDING GEAR COLLAPSE AFTER LANDING ROLLOUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO MAIN LANDING GEAR AND RIGHT WING ASSEMBLY. DETAIL INSPECTION FOUND 2 EACH FRACTURES ON RIGHT HAND LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY. RIGHT SHOCK STRUT HYDRASORB (PN 487 558) F
- [SDR 2022FA0000361](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2022FA0000361.md): Oil Cooler · cracked · Jul 20, 2022 · Piper PA18 · Engine Oil Cooler
  > ORIGINAL OIL COOLER REPLACED 05/27/2022 DUE TO CRACKED MOUNTING FLANGES. NEW COOLER, S/N 4467, FAILED AFTER 12 HOURS IN SERVICE, CRACKED ADJACENT TO TOP FITTING BOSS, RESULTING IN 5+ QUART OIL LOSS DURING FLIGHT, AND EMERGENCY LANDING. INSTALLED REPLACEMENT
- [SDR 2017FA0000414](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2017FA0000414.md): Fuel Bowl · damaged · Aug 10, 2017 · N9033J · Piper PA18 · Aircraft Fuel Filter/Strainer
  > THE FUEL STRAINER COVER DEVELOPS A BOW AFTER A YEAR OF CONTINUOUS PRESSURE BEING PUT ON IT FROM THE WIRE ASSEMBLY CAUSING IT TO LEAK FUEL. IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT REPLACING THE GASKET DOES NOT CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WE HAVE FOUND THREE
- [SDR 2016FA0000498](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2016FA0000498.md): Piston Ring · out of alignment · Oct 12, 2016 · N6984B · Piper PA18 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > DURING TAKE OFF, WITH GLIDER IN TOW, AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED AN UNCOMMANDED ENGINE SHUT DOWN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE NR 3 PISTON RINGS WERE NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY.
- [SDR CA150527009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150527009.md): Carburetor · defective · May 14, 2015 · Piper PA18 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating Engines
  > (CAN) AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF FOR ONE OF THE INITIAL FLIGHTS WITH THE NEWLY OVERHAULED FACTORY ENG. THE ACFT IS A PA22-160 BUSHMASTER & IS EQUIPPED WITH FLOATS. THE FLIGHT WAS ABOUT AN HOUR & HAD JUST DONE A TOUCH & GO ON THE WATER. THEY WERE TURNING BACK AROUND
- [SDR 2011FA0000280](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2011FA0000280.md): Retainer · broken · Apr 30, 2011 · N18SY · Piper PA18 · Engine (Reciprocating)
  > 37 HOURS SINCE THE ENGINE WAS LAST REASSEMBLED, THE VALVE COVERS WERE REMOVED. BROKEN PUSH ROD RETAINER SPRINGS WERE FOUND IN 3 OUT OF 4 CYLINDERS. 1 BROKEN STEEL SPRING PIECE HAD BEEN BENT BY THE ROCKET ARM AND HAD SIGNIFICANTLY DENTED THE VALVE COVER NEARLY
- [SDR 22497](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/22497.md): Retainer · broken · Jan 31, 2008 · N8780D · Piper PA18 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section
  > ENGINE WAS DISASSEMBLED AND INSPECTED FOR PROP STRIKE INSPECTION. DURING TEST CELL OPERATION THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED AN OIL LEAK AT THE NR4 CYLINDER. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE PUSH ROD TUBE RETAINER BROKE INSIDE THE ROCKER COVER CAUSING THE TUBE AN
- [SDR 2008FA0000105](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2008FA0000105.md): Fitting · broken · Dec 4, 2007 · N723C · Piper PA18 · Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/Truck
  > PILOT STATED THAT HE PERFORMED AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING ALONG A BEACH WHILE HUNTING. UPON LANDING, THE UPPER RT MLG CABANE FITTING BROKE. THE LANDING GEAR SAFETY CABLES PREVENTED A TOTAL GEAR COLLAPSE. (K)
- [SDR 2006FA0000980](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2006FA0000980.md): Rotor · inoperative · Sep 29, 2006 · N7472D · Piper PA18 · Magneto/Distributor
  > PILOT NOTICED LACK OF POWER AND ROUGHNESS AFTER TAKEOFF. RETURNED TO FIELD, DISCOVERED INOPERATIVE RT MAGNETO. DISASSEMBLY OF RT MAGNETO REVEALED ROTOR SHAFT HAD SHEARED FLUSH WITH BOTTOM OF CAM CUTOUT. THE REMAINING ROTOR AND DISTRIBUTOR BOTH ROTATED FREEL
- [SDR 2006FA0000532](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2006FA0000532.md): Current Limiter · failed · May 21, 2006 · N203T · Piper PA18 · DC Regulator
  > CURRENT LIMITER BLOWN, CAUSING LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER.
- [SDR CA051221002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA051221002.md): Attach Bracket · corroded · Dec 8, 2005 · Piper PA18 · Wing, Attach Fittings
  > REINFORCEMENT STRAP AT REAR SPREADER BAR ATTACHMENT LUG; INTERGRANULAR CORROSION DESTROYED PART FROM INSIDE OUT RESULTING IN LOOSE FASTENER.
- [SDR CA050805003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA050805003.md): Baffle · warped · Aug 3, 2005 · Piper PA18 · Engine Noise Suppressor
  > (CAN) EXCESSIVE EXHAUST BACK PRESSURE - MUFFLER 2 INCH STACK HOLE IN CAN 1.5 INCH DIAMETER LEFT A HIGH RESTRICTION CAUSING HIGH HEAT PROGRESSIVELY COLLAPSING THE PERFORATED BAFFLE AROUND THE EMERGECY BAIL RESULTING IN A SERIOUS LOSS OF POWER.
- [SDR 2004FA0000364](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2004FA0000364.md): Fuel Control · mismarked · Mar 15, 2004 · Piper PA18 · Fuel Controlling System
  > AS MANUFACTURED, THE FUEL VALVE SELECTOR HANDLE CONSISTS OF A SMALL POINTER AND A SILVER HANDLE OPPOSITE OF EACH OTHER ON THE LT INTERIOR WALL BY THE FRONT SEAT. OPPOSITE BOTH FUEL VALVE SELECTIONS OF (LT) AND (RT) IS AN (OFF) POSITION. THE POINTER IS OFTEN
- [SDR TAM1112200301](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/TAM1112200301.md): Plate · failed · Oct 31, 2003 · Piper PA18 · Propeller Spinner Section
  > SPINNER BACKPLATE BRACKETS SEEM TO FAIL OFTEN, PICTURE NR 1. THIS PARTICULAR BACKPLATE APPEARS VERY NEW, THE AIRCRAFT HAS FLOWN 35 HOURS SINCE ANNUAL INSPECTION. PICTURE NR 2 SHOWS HOW THE PROPELLER HITS THE BRACKET LEG AND PUSHES THE SPINNER BACKPLATE AFT,
- [SDR 2003FA0000940](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2003FA0000940.md): Bearing · overheated · Sep 18, 2003 · Piper PA18 · DC Generator-Alternator
  > ALTERNATOR HARD TO ROTATE DUE TO NON-DRIVE END BEARING BEING PRESSED INTO HOUSING TOO FAR. BEARING COVER FOUND (BLUED) DUE TOO EXCCESIVE HEAT. DRIVE PULLEY HARD TO ROTATE BY HAND. NOTE: 0 TIME SINCE OVERHAUL!
- [SDR CA030107011](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA030107011.md): Structure · cracked · Aug 1, 2002 · Piper PA18 · Elevator Structure
  > (CAN) LT STABILIZER REAR TUBE WAS FOUND CRACKED INBOARD OF THE OUTBOARD ELEVATOR HINGE.
- [SDR 2001FA0000558](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2001FA0000558.md): Stud · broken · Oct 26, 2001 · N7278K · Piper PA18 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > BROKEN CYLINDER BASE STUDS, 5 STUDS BROKEN ON NR 1 CYLINDER, FOUND MIS-TORQUED ON NR 2, NR 3, AND NR 4, ALSO.(K)
- [SDR CA010820014](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA010820014.md): Screw · broken · Jul 27, 2001 · Piper PA18 · Stabilizer Control System
  > (CAN) STABILIZER TRIM FOUND NOT WORKING ON PILOT'S WALK AROUND. DISASSEMBLE AND FOUND SCREW BROKEN IN HALF, JAMMED IN THE YOKE HOUSING.
- [SDR 20010124CW004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20010124CW004.md): Bellcrank · cracked · Dec 19, 2000 · N9780D · Piper PA18 · Trailing Edge Flap Control System
  > WHILE COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLING FOR RECOVERY, FOUND BOTH BELLCRANKS CRACKED. ONLY WAY TO SEE IS WITH MIRROR OR COMPLETE DISSASSEMBLE. BOTTOM OF BELLCRANK NOT CRACKED.
- [SDR 20000911SH041](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20000911SH041.md): Gear · fractured · Aug 28, 2000 · N3357A · Piper PA18 · Reciprocating Engine Rear Section
  > AIRCRAFT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING FOLLOWING SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE DURING CRUISE FLIGHT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CRANKSHAFT GEAR HAD 5 OR 6 TEETH MISSING AND THE REMAINING TEETH WERE ROUNDED AND EXHIBITED GALLING-LIKE DAMAGE SIMILAR TO THAT FOUND ON THE MAGNETO
- [SDR 2000ZZZX500](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2000ZZZX500.md): Channel · corroded · Jan 17, 2000 · Piper PA18 · Fuselage Miscellaneous Structure
  > DURING RECOVERING OF AIRCRAFT, FOUND THE REAR WINDOW CHANNELS LEFT AND RIGHT WERE CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
- [SDR 2000ZZZX498](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2000ZZZX498.md): Longeron · corroded · Jan 17, 2000 · Piper PA18 · Fuselage Main, Longeron/Stringer
  > DURING LAST 6 AIRCRAFT RECOVERED BY FACILITY, 5 OF THESE AIRCRAFT HAD TO HAVE THE TOP LONGERON REPLACED BECAUSE OF CORROSION DUE TO WATER BEING TRAPPED UNDER THE SLIDING WINDOW CHANNEL ON THE LEFT SIDE. IN ALL CASES, THE SLIDING CHANNELS IN LONGERON AREA WERE
- [SDR 98ZZZX3125](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX3125.md): Fitting · corroded · Aug 17, 1998 · N3977P · Piper PA18 · Wing, Fuselage Attach Fittings
  > WING FITTING CORRODED. THERE IS NO ACCESS FOR INSPECTION OF PART. AFTER ONE AIRCRAFT HAD WING SEPARATION AND DISCOVERED PART THAT CORRODED, INSPECTED ENTIRE FLEET OF 10 SUPER CUBS AND FOUND CONDITION ON 2 AIRCRAFT (THIS BEING ONE OF THEM). ALL FOUND TO BE F
- [SDR 98ZZZX1993](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX1993.md): Control Cable · failed · Apr 26, 1998 · N225NY · Piper PA18 · Engine Air Intake System
  > CARBURETOR HEAT CABLE COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTED TO ACCIDENT. DURING INVESTIGATION, CABLE WAS FOUND DETACHED; APPARENTLY IT HAD BROKEN PRIOR TO OR AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT.
- [SDR 97ZZZX2785](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/97ZZZX2785.md): Bellcrank · cracked · May 1, 1997 · Piper PA18 · Trailing Edge Flap Control System
  > INSPECTION FOUND RT FLAP BELLCRANK CRACKED. REF: PIPER SB 109.
- [SDR 97ZZZX2025](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/97ZZZX2025.md): Tube · corroded · Apr 22, 1997 · Piper PA18 · Fuselage Main, Frame
  > FAA APPROVED REPAIR STATION, THAT REBUILDS AND REPAIRS PA-18 FUSELAGE FRAMES, HAS EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM, IN FINDING SEVERE CORROSION ON APPROX 35 PERCENT OF THE FUSELAGES IN WORK. ONE PROBLEM CENTERS ON THE.6250 INCH VERTICAL TUBE, P/N 10562-36, FROM THE TOP
- [SDR 95ZZZX6391](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX6391.md): Tank · leak · Oct 25, 1995 · Piper PA18 · Fuel Storage
  > TANK HAD SMALL LEAK AFT SEAM MID-WAY BETWEEN SIDES. FOUND SMALL CRACK,.50 INCH, WELDED SEAM FOR 4 INCHES EITHER SIDE OF CRACK. SUBMITTER STATED NO APPARENT REASON FOR CRACK.
- [SDR 95ZZZX3523](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX3523.md): Fuel Tank · damaged · Jun 19, 1995 · Piper PA18 · Fuel Storage
  > TOP FORWARD INBOARD CORNER BASHED IN CAUSING A SEAM TO LEAK. ALSO, FOUND LARGE WELD AROUND VENT. THIS WAS CUT OUT AND A NEW VENT INSTALLED. PRESSURE TESTED AT 1 PSI - OK.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet'
WHERE aircraft_model_key = 'PA18'
ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18/reports

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