# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18-150: In flight collision with terrain/water

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 SEA03CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03CA102.md): Piper PA-18 · Silver City, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2003 · N82946 · Substantial damage
  > Proper descent rate not maintained while on final approach. A wind gust is a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB ANC03LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA049.md): Piper PA-18-160 · Aniak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 2003 · N9877D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering, which resulted in the airplane colliding with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention.
- [NTSB CHI03LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA121.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Gordon, NE · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 2003 · N9682P · Substantial damage
  > The pilots failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Contributing factors to this accident were the rain, hail, and wind gusts.
- [NTSB ANC01LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01LA142.md): Piper PA-18 · Port Heiden, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2001 · N7477L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions. A factor in the accident was the presence of a tailwind.
- [NTSB CHI01LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA294.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Alice, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2001 · N4329Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's unsuccessful recovery from an intentional aerobatic stall/spin maneuver. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's impairment (alcohol), and his psychological condition.
- [NTSB SEA01LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA019.md): Piper PA-18 · Broadus, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 2000 · N8415Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff phase of the flight.
- [NTSB ANC00LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA096.md): Piper PA-18 · Delta Junction, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2000 · N7777D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation. Factors in the accident were an uphill takeoff, high vegetation, and a short runway area.
- [NTSB ANC99LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA121.md): Piper PA-18 · Sleetmute, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1999 · N82905 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in the airplane colliding with vegetation, knocking the gascolator off the airplane, and fuel starvation of the engine.
- [NTSB SEA99LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA118.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Opheim, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 1999 · N4385Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stall speed (Vs), resulting in a stall/mush into the terrain during a course reversal at the end of an aerial application run. Factors include hilly terrain and high density altitude.
- [NTSB SEA97LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA163.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Big Creek, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1997 · N4249Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's inadequate terrain clearance and failure to maintain directional control. Also, the overload of the aircraft's left main landing gear strut assembly. Factors contributing to the accident were high density altitude conditions, downdrafts…
- [NTSB FTW97TA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97TA115.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Laredo, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Mar 3, 1997 · N2320P · Substantial damage
  > the pilot allowed the airplane to get into an excessive rate of descent, during approach for an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB SEA96FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA034.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kapowsin, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1995 · N4008Z · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and terrain clearance. Turbulence was a factor.
- [NTSB ANC95LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95LA163.md): Piper PA-18 · Palmer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 1995 · N6996D · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain, during a low pass over a prospective (off-airport) landing area. Factors relating to the accident were: rain and rising/uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC95FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95FA150.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1995 · N1590R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision by flying into a box canyon.
- [NTSB BFO94FA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA134.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Grand Lake Strm, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1994 · N8588Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot attempted a maneuver at an altitude insufficient for recovery. A factor in the accident was pilot physical impairment due to alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB ANC93LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93LA177.md): Piper PA-18 · Mosquito River, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 1993 · N82081 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude during the low pass. A factor was the rough/uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC93FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93FA054.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kashwitna, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 1993 · N3741Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command not maintaining control of the airplane and his inadequate preflight preparation for high mountain terrain big game operations. Factors contributing to the accident were: the high terrain condition and the lack of total experience in the…
- [NTSB SEA92LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA207.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Smoot, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1992 · N7894P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot in command's delayed go-around. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot in command's selection of unsuitable terrain and trees.
- [NTSB ANC92LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA136.md): Piper PA-18 · Bettles, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1992 · N6592L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in flight planning/decision, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude while operating in the mountains. A contributing factor was the mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ANC92LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA104.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Molly Creek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 1992 · N3997Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot misjudged his terrain clearance when planning his takeoff. Factors include high vegetation at the end of the runway.
- [NTSB SEA91LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA145.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Corvallis, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 1991 · N3474Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot displayed poor in-flight planning. A factor to the accident was: the pilot did not maintain a proper altitude over mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB FTW91LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA068.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Port Lavaca, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1991 · N4695Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent stall at an altitude too low for recovery. A factor was the pilot's low pass.
- [NTSB DEN90LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA108.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Powderville, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 10, 1990 · N62672 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot failed to maintain terrain clearance during descent on an aerial application swath run, resulting in an in flight collision with the terrain. That the pilot misjudged the pull up altitude is considered a contributing factor.
- [NTSB ANC90LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA066.md): Piper PA-18 · Glennallen, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 1990 · N91117 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain proper altitude and terrain clearance while maneuvering.
- [NTSB LAX87LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA336.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Byron, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 1987 · N999BA · Destroyed
  > With the wind out of the southwest at 8 to 10 knots, the plt was taxiing the acft in a northerly direction at a high enough speed to keep 'on the step'. When he attempted to turn the acft to a southwesterly heading for tkof, the acft failed to respond. Rather…
- [NTSB ANC87LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA142.md): Piper PA-18 · Mcgrath, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1987 · N4191Z · Destroyed
  > A local hunting guide crashed his airplane in a remote mountain pass in central Alaska. Another guide who overflew the crash site shortly after the accident saw the airplane burning, but was unable to land due to strong winds, severe turbulence and strong…
- [NTSB ANC87LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA105.md): Piper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1987 · N2571H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot was reconnoitering for game animals when he overlooked the rising terrain until he could no longer outclimb or turn away from it. The acft collided with a large rock and came to rest in a grass area.
- [NTSB ANC87LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA035.md): Piper PA-18 · Clear, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1987 · N102TC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot of the ski equipped airplane stated he taxied too fast after landing and damaged the airplane after the right ski toed into a large snow drift on rough surface ice.
- [NTSB ANC86FA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86FA167.md): Piper PA-18 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1986 · N9109D · Destroyed
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB ANC85LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA080.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 11, 1985 · N4621Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot in command stated he was flying in whiteout conditions when he observed an island pass by the right side of the airplane. He started a right turn and the right wing struck the lake ice surface. He stated he did not realize he was that low.
- [NTSB NYC85LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA002.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Waterbury, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 1984 · N83665 · Destroyed
  > After liftoff, the plt initiated a turn into the crosswind to maintain runway heading. As he did so, a wind gust tipped the acft in the direction of the turn. Ground contact occurred before corrective control inputs by the plt could take effect.
- [NTSB ANC84FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84FA166.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Pilot Point, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1984 · N4012Z · Substantial damage
  > Acft departed denai, AK, at 0730 AKDT. When manuevering for a landing apch on dog salmon river acft stalled contacting dirt bank. Plt was carrying 8 5-gallon gasoline cans. 4 cans were still secured inside the acft after the accident. Only 3 of the cans were…
- [NTSB DEN84LA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA279.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Stanley, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1984 · N3574Z · Substantial damage
  > The plt reported that he was spraying a field with 2 power lines at the north edge. He had been making passes under the wires, but where 2 poles were too close together, he decided to fly over the wires. After making a procedure turn back toward the field, he…
- [NTSB DEN84LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA029.md): Piper PA-18-180 · Colorado Spgs, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1983 · N3594P · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The Piper PA-18, N3594P, was being used to tow a burkhart grob flugzeugbau G103 twin astir, N4246L. At 0950 MST, the wind was reported from 310 deg at 9 KTS. Since the terrain sloped downhill to the south, rwy 17R (covered with hard packed snow) was being…
- [NTSB ANC84LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA006.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kodiak, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1983 · N2797P · Substantial damage
  > According to the plt, the wind was gusting to 30 KTS or more and changing directions on the lake very rapidly. He further stated that 'you could see swirls of water on the lake's surface.' He departed the lake towards the east and when about 350 AGL…
- [NTSB ANC83LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83LA184.md): Piper PA-18 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 1983 · N3873Z · Substantial damage
  > Reportedly, the plt was looking at an area in mountainous terrain near an off arpt landing area when he encountered windshear & a downdraft while turning. He stated that the alft dropped 400 ft & he applied full power; however, the left wing struck the ground…
- [NTSB ANC83FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FA075.md): Piper PA-18 · Soldotna, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1983 · N4396Z · Destroyed
  > Witnesses observed the acft maneuvering erratically near the arpt & anticipated the accident. The 1st approach to rwy 25WAS described as erratic with minimal apparent control which included an abrupt pull-up, stall, bounce, & go-around in aleft pattern at 300…
- [NTSB ANC83LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83LA003.md): Piper PA-18 · Near King Salmo, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1982 · N54247 · Destroyed
  > According to the pilot, he began taking off with a right quartering headwind. As the plane lifted off, a gust of wind was encountered and the aircraft moved sideward and down. Subsequently, the right main gear contacted the ground and separated. The nose then…
- [NTSB ANC83FAA03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FAA03.md): Piper PA-18 · 27 E Sagwon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 1, 1982 · N13960 · Substantial damage
  > The plt was inspecting a landing site for possible use. A low pass was being made at approximately 3 ft when the acft encountered a downdraft & impacted a rocky ridge area short of the site.
- [NTSB MKC82DA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA072.md): Piper PA-18 · North Loup, NE · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 7, 1982 · N4339Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot stated that the aircraft broke ground about 1000 feet down the runway but would not climb. The pilot attempted to jettison the load but did not have time. The aircraft was landed in rough terrain. Investigation revealed that the aircraft was below…

## 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_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7101828&occurrence=230

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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.