# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18-135

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 · 167 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC25LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA073.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 11, 2025 · N27293 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s excessive braking during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the landing after determining the landing area was unsuitable.
- [NTSB ANC25LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA066.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Chenega, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 28, 2025 · N55PT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting and variable wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR23LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA336.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Compton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 3, 2023 · N7199K · Substantial damage
  > An overstress fracture of the pilot’s seat, which resulted in the loss of control during takeoff and the pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel selector and subsequent partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC22LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA074.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2022 · N1129 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA295.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Walker, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2022 · N1136 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during a go-around.
- [NTSB ANC22LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA020.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 27, 2022 · N99640 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ANC21LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA060.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2021 · N99640 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s use of excessive braking which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB ANC19LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19LA048.md): Piper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2019 · N1124 · Substantial damage
  > The inappropriate application of paint underneath the engine cylinder hold-down nuts, which resulted in inadequate torque and the subsequent in-flight separation of the No. 3 cylinder, and resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB GAA19CA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA348.md): Piper PA18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 16, 2019 · N2765A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's premature pitch control input during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB GAA19CA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA117.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Longmont, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 3, 2019 · N89018 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA022.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Cherry Ridge, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 14, 2018 · N6690D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
- [NTSB GAA17CA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA275.md): Piper PA18 · Seward, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 11, 2017 · N1258C · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's incorrect brake application during a high-speed taxi with a tailwind, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB GAA16CA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA264.md): Piper PA18 · Seward, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 22, 2016 · N1258C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent rate, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB WPR16LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA045.md): Piper PA18 · Newman Lake, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 1, 2016 · N2684A · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB ANC15LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA056.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Dillingham, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2015 · N8761C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to continue a takeoff even though the airplane was not airborne by the…
- [NTSB GAA15CA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA164.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Twin Falls, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2015 · N8086C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel inspection during his preflight fuel performance planning task, resulting in fuel exhaustion en route, and an emergency landing and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC14CA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA079.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Susitna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 13, 2014 · N959E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting, variable wind conditions during initial climb after takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC14CA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA074.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 5, 2014 · N2158A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC14CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA075.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 4, 2014 · N8775C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB ANC14CA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA043.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2014 · N27293 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control when encountering a downdraft during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a collision with brush and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA14LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA198.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Aguas Buenas, PR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 2014 · N2875D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB WPR14CA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA166.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Kent, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 12, 2014 · N1394Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR13CA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA344.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Quilcene, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 28, 2013 · N37JR · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the pilot's inadequate planning and mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ANC13CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA070.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2013 · N1467C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of his landing area, which resulted in contact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR12CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA102.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Concrete, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 12, 2012 · N1155C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not attain and maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN12CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA132.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Del Norte, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 2, 2012 · N9952Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident were the sensitivity of the brake system and the certified flight instructor pilot's delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB ANC11CA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA076.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Coldfoot, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 13, 2011 · N1258C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent application of the right brake pedal during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB ERA10CA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA300.md): Piper PA-18-135 · North Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 6, 2010 · N2150A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a climbing turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ANC10FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10FA038.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Willow, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 14, 2010 · N1123 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree due to the effects of impairment from alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB CEN10LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA034.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Sikeston, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 2009 · N1198C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC09CA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA099.md): Piper PA-18 · Chickaloon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2009 · N9840Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a nose-over on landing.
- [NTSB ANC09LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA035.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2009 · N3256B · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s decision to attempt to "ski" atop a water-covered tidal area in an airplane equipped with over-sized main landing gear tires, resulting in a loss of control and a nose over.
- [NTSB ANC08CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA128.md): Piper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 18, 2008 · N2265A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. A Factor contributing to the accident was a short, rough and uneven takeoff site.
- [NTSB ANC08CA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA119.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Coldfoot, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 8, 2008 · N9950Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain/maintain sufficient flying speed during initial climb.
- [NTSB MIA08LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA130.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Hollywood, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2008 · N3257B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to achieve the proper touchdown point on landing and improper use of brakes. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the throttle cable attachment tab due to preexisting cracks.
- [NTSB NYC08LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA201.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2008 · N802DA · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to thermally-induced failure of a piston. Contributing to the accident was the sustained engine exposure to abnormally high operating temperatures and detonation, and the exceedance of the engine manufacturer's recommended overhaul…
- [NTSB ANC08CA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA024.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Seward, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 29, 2007 · N1181Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC08LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA033.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Durbin, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2007 · N3257B · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power while in cruise flight due to the partially separated crankshaft oil seal.
- [NTSB SEA07CA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA045.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Maricopa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 12, 2007 · N518GM · Substantial damage
  > The excessive brake application during landing which resulted in a nose over.
- [NTSB SEA06CA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06CA061.md): Piper PA-18 · Saint Paul, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 5, 2006 · N1991A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path on final approach to landing resulting in a nose over. A factor was the loose gravel/sandy condition.
- [NTSB MIA06CA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA06CA059.md): Piper PA-18 · SanJuan, PR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 4, 2006 · N2875D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB ANC05CA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05CA152.md): Piper PA-18 · Wiseman, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 13, 2005 · N9950Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident were a short landing area, and pressure to conduct the flight, which the pilot stated was a rescue situation.
- [NTSB LAX05CA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA212.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Pine Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2005 · N2663A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and excessive brake application. A contributing factor was the downsloping terrain used for the landing and takeoff.
- [NTSB ATL05FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL05FA086.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Conway, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 2005 · N9951Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering after releasing a banner aerial sign, resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the flight instructor's improper supervision of the pilot receiving…
- [NTSB ANC05LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05LA056.md): Piper PA-18 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 2005 · N8960C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, which resulted in a loss of control and the airplane nosing over during the landing roll.
- [NTSB CHI03LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA127.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Prescott, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 15, 2003 · N2581A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot delaying the go-around and the maneuver to avoid the treeline. Factors to the accident were the treeline and the airplane's low altitude.
- [NTSB LAX03LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA115.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Chandler, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2003 · N2474Z · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper flare and his failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor is the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB SEA02LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA094.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Payette, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2002 · N9967Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during landing resulting in a ground loop/swerve. Wind gusts were a contributing factor.
- [NTSB SEA02LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA088.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Lewiston, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 2002 · N9845Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing resulting in the aircraft departing the runway environment and the wing impacting the ground. Contributing factors were the dustdevil/whirlwind which the aircraft encountered and the ditch.
- [NTSB ATL02LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02LA082.md): Piper PA-18 · Conway, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 2002 · N802DA · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to use proper wind correction technique, resulting in a loss of directional control of the aircraft.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7101820&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."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101820'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7101820

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