# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18, AK

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.

Page 1 of 4 · 154 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC26LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA093.md): Piper PA-18 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Aug 29, 2026 · N15XX · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC23LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA064.md): Piper PA-18 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 22, 2023 · N4111Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to taxi the airplane through tall grass without visual reference to the surface which obscured uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC23LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA055.md): Piper PA-18 · Palmer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2023 · N37WP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
- [NTSB ANC23LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA049.md): Piper PA-18 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2023 · N15XX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff site, resulting in a collision with brush-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC23FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA004.md): Piper PA-18 · Chickaloon, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 10, 2022 · N7123K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with a cable.
- [NTSB ANC22LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA008.md): Piper PA-18 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 26, 2021 · N1380A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to effectively use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power, off-airport landing, and nose over.
- [NTSB ANC21LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA075.md): Piper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 10, 2021 · N1264A · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the control stick during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB ANC20CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA080.md): Piper PA 18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2020 · N1277A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface that had standing water, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC20CA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA047.md): Piper PA 18 · McGrath, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · May 16, 2020 · N5478H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and impacted with the ground.
- [NTSB ANC19LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19LA054.md): Piper PA 18 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 23, 2019 · N7071B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a takeoff with an overweight float-equipped airplane, which resulted in diminished climb performance.
- [NTSB GAA17CA408](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA408.md): Piper PA 18 · Denali, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2017 · N8560C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on a narrow, unimproved airstrip in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB ANC16CA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16CA066.md): Piper PA 18 · McGrath, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N5773D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive taxi speed, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose over.
- [NTSB GAA16CA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA204.md): Piper PA 18 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 19, 2016 · N2518A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain and incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
- [NTSB ANC15FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15FA009.md): Piper PA 18 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2015 · N82735 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > Both pilots’ inadequate visual lookout and failure to see and avoid each other while in level cruise flight, which resulted in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was the obscuration of the other pilot’s visibility due to sun glare.
- [NTSB ANC13CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA105.md): Piper PA 18 · Big Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 24, 2013 · N1214A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in abnormal contact with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC12CA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA109.md): Piper PA-18 · Healy, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 31, 2012 · N1620A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in an aborted takeoff and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC12CA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA086.md): Piper PA-18 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 13, 2012 · N37WP · Substantial damage
  > The passenger's inadvertent application of the brake pedals during landing, which resulted in a noseover.
- [NTSB ANC12CA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA003.md): Piper PA-18 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 10, 2011 · N124GS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate clearance from a tree during an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ANC11CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA013.md): Piper PA-18 · Sterling, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 23, 2011 · N623MP · Substantial damage
  > The airplane owner improper fabrication of a fuel line, and subsequent inadequate inspection by an aviation mechanic, resulting in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC10LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA011.md): Piper PA-18 · Willow, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2009 · N146T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane’s fuel selector valve was on before takeoff, resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and his subsequent decision to attempt a low altitude turn towards the departure airport, resulting in an…
- [NTSB ANC09CA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA096.md): Piper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 5, 2009 · N5773D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to land on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a loss of control and a collision with trees.
- [NTSB ANC08LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA122.md): Piper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2008 · N7174K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to preclude a stall while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC08TA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08TA099.md): Piper PA-18 · Nome, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 6, 2008 · N7055 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB ANC08FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08FA072.md): Piper PA-18 · Quinhagak, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2008 · N897SP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude in high winds, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent to the ground. Contributing to the accident were the high winds.
- [NTSB ANC07CA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC07CA072.md): Piper PA-18 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2007 · N40832 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during approach due to water contaminated fuel.
- [NTSB ANC07CA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC07CA039.md): Piper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 26, 2007 · N4111Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees. A factor contributing to the accident was dusk lighting conditions.
- [NTSB ANC07LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC07LA015.md): Piper PA-18 · Tyonek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2007 · N237WT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control on the ground, and the wing impacting the snow-covered terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC06LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06LA068.md): Piper PA-18 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 2006 · N1325A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the rocky terrain.
- [NTSB ANC06CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06CA052.md): Piper PA-18 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 10, 2006 · N723C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged distance and altitude, which resulted in an undershoot during final approach to a beach, and subsequent in-flight collision with water and a nose over.
- [NTSB ANC06CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06CA013.md): Piper PA-18 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2005 · N237WT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in an on ground collision with trees during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident were the icy and snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC05CA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05CA115.md): Piper PA-18 · Port Heiden, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2005 · N9062D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude during final approach, which resulted in an undershoot and an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC05CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05CA080.md): Piper PA-18 · Delta Junction, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 23, 2005 · N1087A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in an overrun. A factor contributing to the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC04CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04CA105.md): Piper PA-18 · Healy, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 6, 2004 · N7472D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a collision with vegetation and a nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was a tailwind.
- [NTSB ANC04LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04LA065.md): Piper PA-18 · McGrath, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2004 · N18ZF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was the presence of soft tundra.
- [NTSB ANC03LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA123.md): Piper PA-18 · Nenana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2003 · N330T · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing and an in-flight collision with trees.
- [NTSB ANC02LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA127.md): Piper PA-18 · Ekwok, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2002 · N723C · Substantial damage
  > A partial separation of one propeller blade during cruise flight.
- [NTSB ANC02LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA112.md): Piper PA-18 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2002 · N6981B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point on a remote airstrip, and his failure to perform a go-around that resulted in the airplane overrunning the end of the strip. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of a tailwind…
- [NTSB ANC02LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA103.md): Piper PA-18 · Chickaloon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2002 · N7489D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from ground obstructions while taxiing. A factor contributing to the accident was excessive taxi speed.
- [NTSB ANC01LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01LA006.md): Piper PA-18 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2000 · N7174K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation. A factor in the accident was a high wind.
- [NTSB ANC00LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA080.md): Piper PA-18 · Nikiski, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2000 · N7437 · Substantial damage
  > A bear running onto the landing area during the landing flare. A factor associated with the accident was the high vegetation on the edge of the airstrip.
- [NTSB ANC00LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA079.md): Piper PA-18 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 2000 · N78NR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors in the accident were the presence of a tailwind, the pilot's inadvertent touchdown, and a short landing area bordered by high vegetation.
- [NTSB ANC00LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA049.md): Piper PA-18 · Mccarthy, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 2000 · N1200A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions. A factor associated with the accident was the wind gusts.
- [NTSB ANC99LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA136.md): Piper PA-18 · Cordova, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1999 · N9130D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to avoid obstructions during takeoff. A factor associated with this accident was the high brush along the river bank.
- [NTSB ANC99LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA111.md): Piper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1999 · N7174K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high vegetation in the landing area.
- [NTSB ANC99LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA117.md): Piper PA-18 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1999 · N221BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high vegetation.
- [NTSB ANC99LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA104.md): Piper PA-18 · Levelock, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1999 · N693JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site.
- [NTSB ANC99LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA054.md): Piper PA-18 · King Salmon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 1999 · N1389A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor associated with the accident was an inadvertent ground loop.
- [NTSB ANC98LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA135.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1998 · N7279K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for takeoff. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's premature liftoff.
- [NTSB ANC98LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA054.md): Piper PA-18 · Glennallen, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 1998 · N8578D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane's fuel system, and presence of water in the fuel system.
- [NTSB ANC98LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA022.md): Piper PA-18 · Tyonek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 1998 · N1379A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued VFR over-the-top operation, becoming lost/disoriented, his inadequate in-flight planning/decision making, and subsequent fuel exhaustion. Factors in the accident were the presence of a cloud layer below the pilot's selected altitude, the…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7101802&state=AK&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101802'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7101802&state=AK

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
