# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18-150: Loss of control in flight

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA134.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Sonora, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 4, 2026 · N3695Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and hard landing.
- [NTSB ANC25LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA024.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Palmer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 2, 2025 · N6999 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall, during gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN24LA373](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA373.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Delta, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 28, 2024 · N4155W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of aircraft control during a bounced landing and go-around, during which the right main landing gear struck a large rock, which damaged it such that it collapsed during the following landing, which caused the airplane to impact the ground…
- [NTSB WPR24LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA280.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Island Park, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 19, 2024 · N9166T · Substantial damage
  > A loss of lateral control during takeoff due to an accumulation of water in the right wing.
- [NTSB ANC24LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA080.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Arctic Village, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2024 · N82065 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR24LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA187.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Garrett, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 7, 2024 · N40561 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while conducting low-level altitude operations, following an encounter with wake turbulence.
- [NTSB ANC23FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA074.md): Piper PA-18-150 · St. Mary's, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Sep 13, 2023 · N109T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum certificated gross weight, and his installation of an unapproved external load that degraded takeoff performance and flight characteristics resulting in a loss of airplane control during takeoff…
- [NTSB CEN22LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA314.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Rogers, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 9, 2022 · N83552 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to establish a stabilize approach criteria during low-level maneuvering to the runway, which resulted in a hard landing and contact with a hay bale.
- [NTSB ANC22LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA038.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Glacier View, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2022 · N4024Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover.
- [NTSB ANC21LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA076.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 28, 2021 · N82064 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA337.md): Piper PA18 · Larimore, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 24, 2021 · N83411 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN20CA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA213.md): Piper PA18 · Cadillac, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 4, 2020 · N68EE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the float-equipped airplane after the float became caught on the trailer used for takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC20CA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA056.md): Piper PA18 · Nikiski, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 2, 2020 · N8987Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
- [NTSB ANC20CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA051.md): Piper PA18 · Sterling, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · May 28, 2020 · N7164B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN20CA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA033.md): Piper PA18 · Kerrville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 23, 2019 · N530AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.
- [NTSB WPR19FA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA251.md): Piper PA18 · Hood River, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2019 · N14365 · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff as a result of the private pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel selector was in the appropriate position and the certified flight instructor’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack at the time…
- [NTSB CEN19LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA214.md): Piper PA18 · Bay City, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2019 · N796AB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a banner drop and pickup, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB GAA19CA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA158.md): Piper PA18 · Wyndmere, ND · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 7, 2019 · N726 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an uncoordinated turn while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA18CA494](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA494.md): Piper PA18 · Gilliam Glacier, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 12, 2018 · N9884D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to take off in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR18LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA176.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 21, 2018 · N1979P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while conducting a go-around and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low of an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident were…
- [NTSB WPR18FA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA104.md): Piper PA 18-150 · La Center, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2018 · N4511Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR18FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA026.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Murphy, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Nov 3, 2017 · N4393Z · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the left aileron control cable that resulted in a loss of aircraft control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance inspections to the aileron cable connections.
- [NTSB GAA17CA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA057.md): Piper PA18 · Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 7, 2016 · N62744 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to take off with a gusting quartering tailwind and his subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB GAA16CA482](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA482.md): Piper PA18 · Gulkana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 9, 2016 · N13833 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN16LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA193.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Cozad, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 24, 2016 · N4234Z · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB GAA16CA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA021.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Old Harbor, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 16, 2015 · N4336Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC15LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA063.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2015 · N9265D · Substantial damage
  > Impact with terrain during low-level cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ANC14CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA070.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 27, 2014 · N5616Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, resulting in an inflight collision with vegetation/brush during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN13CA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA108.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Okaton, SD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 11, 2012 · N3471Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection of the airplane and obstruction of the aileron control system by snow and ice, which led to a loss of control during flight.
- [NTSB ANC12LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12LA075.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2012 · N7154Z · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a propeller tip due to an unauthorized and undocumented propeller repair.
- [NTSB ANC12CA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA074.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Tynoek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 11, 2012 · N4272Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ANC12CA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA043.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 29, 2012 · N3772Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusting crosswind.
- [NTSB CEN12CA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA183.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Fort Collins, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 8, 2012 · N2986P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed and airplane control during the go-around, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees.
- [NTSB ANC11CA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA086.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Beluga Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 25, 2011 · N8491Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to takeoff with an unfavorable wind which resulted in a loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11FA390](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA390.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Forsyth, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2011 · N7666D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/mush, loss of control, and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC11CA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA047.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2011 · N3858Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control while landing in a crosswind.
- [NTSB WPR10CA469](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA469.md): Piper PA-18-150 · White Sulphur Springs, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 24, 2010 · N4036E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN10CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA013.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Bingham, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 9, 2009 · N54750 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption and failure to maintain aircraft control.
- [NTSB ANC09CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA051.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 6, 2009 · N7796Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN09CA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA079.md): Piper PA18-150 · Colorado Springs, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 2, 2008 · N18338 · Substantial damage
  > Loss of directional control due to an encounter with a weather phenomena at rotation.
- [NTSB CHI08CA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA232.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Wall, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 3, 2008 · N5951Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining airplane control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the reported wind shear.
- [NTSB ANC08LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA039.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Nikolai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2008 · N985W · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was an inadvertent stall/mush.

## The whole list in SQL

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

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101828', '7104221', '7102835')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND s.aircrafts_position = x.position AND s."tier2Number" = '240' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence?model=7101828

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