# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18-150: Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical

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 SEA07CA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA113.md): Piper PA-18 · Prineville, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 27, 2007 · N40520 · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot failing to correctly read the fuel quantity sight gauges. Factors include soft, brushy terrain, and the pilot's intentional excessive braking during the forced landing.
- [NTSB ATL07CA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07CA055.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 24, 2007 · N4330Z · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to follow emergency procedures when he failed to jettison the advertising banner prior to his forced landing in water.
- [NTSB NYC03LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA098.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Ava, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 2003 · N9834P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight which did not detect the contamination in the fuel, and subsequent power loss due to contaminated fuel while operating over unsuitable terrain.
- [NTSB FTW02LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA078.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Houston, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 2002 · N4013E · Substantial damage
  > the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX01LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA180.md): Piper PA18-150 · Tucson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 18, 2001 · N8524Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which included verifying the position of the fuel selector handle, which subsequently led to fuel starvation and a forced landing.
- [NTSB IAD00LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD00LA059.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Dansville, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2000 · N4456Z · Substantial damage
  > the loss of engine power during take-off for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX00LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA189.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 2000 · N7345Z · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane as required by the airplane's published flight manual resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB NYC99LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA218.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Greenville, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1999 · N2584P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot in command's inattentive management of the fuel supply.
- [NTSB SEA99LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA056.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Salem, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1999 · N7483L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision not to apply carburetor heat during a reduced power descent in conditions conducive to carburetor icing. Factors include weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing, and high vegetation and a fence post in the area where the…
- [NTSB ANC99LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA013.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1998 · N3391Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat. A factor associated with the accident was weather conducive to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB SEA98LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA014.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Battle Ground, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1997 · N1668P · Substantial damage
  > The owner/pilot's failure to properly install the fuel selector valve after removal, subsequently leading to a false indication on the valve selector handle. This led to the pilot unintentionally closing the valve and starving the engine of fuel during the…
- [NTSB ANC96TA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96TA148.md): Piper PA-18 · Elmendorf, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 8, 1996 · N4372A · Substantial damage
  > loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from improper positioning of the fuel tank selector; inadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI); and the flight crew's improper emergency procedure.
- [NTSB ANC95LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95LA061.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Galena, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 1995 · N83622 · Substantial damage
  > The water contaminating the fuel and the pilot's inadequate preflight which failed to eliminate the water from the fuel system.
- [NTSB ANC94LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC94LA140.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1994 · N9359D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to assure that an adequate supply of fuel was available to complete the flight. A factor in the accident was the siphoning of fuel from the fuel cap.
- [NTSB CHI94LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA090.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Grand Forks, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 1994 · N66ND · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to the improper positioning of the fuel tank selector by the student pilot.
- [NTSB ATL92LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA100.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Soccastee, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 1992 · N3841Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's mismanagement of his fuel in that he exhausted fuel in one tank, then failed to select the tank with fuel.
- [NTSB ANC91GA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91GA087.md): Piper PA-18 · King Salmon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 4, 1991 · N82732 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot inadvertently switched the magnetos off during the flight. Contributing to the accident was the rough, uneven terrain with loose gravel.
- [NTSB ANC91FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91FA067.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1991 · N4319Z · Substantial damage
  > The powerplant failure for undetermined reasons and the collision with the wires.
- [NTSB ANC91LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA057.md): Piper PA-18 · Dillingham, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1991 · N83582 · Substantial damage
  > Carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to follow proper procedures and directives pertaining to carburetor heat.
- [NTSB ANC91LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA049.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Alexander Creek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 31, 1991 · N1988P · Substantial damage
  > The engine failure resulting from fuel screen contamination. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA90LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA144.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Jordan, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1990 · N4184Z · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks and the unsuitable terrain available for a forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC90LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA115.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Canning River, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 1990 · N8519Y · Substantial damage
  > The engine power loss due to fuel contamination, and the lack of suitable terrain on which to land.
- [NTSB LAX90LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA195.md): Piper PA-18 · Fullerton, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 25, 1990 · N8474D · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to the pilot's improper fuel management technique. A factor was the improperly modified fuel selector valve.
- [NTSB LAX90LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA054.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Bumble Bee, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1989 · N4101E · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the student pilot to apply carburetor heat in a timely manner. Contributing to the accident were the carburetor icing conditions and the desert terrain.
- [NTSB LAX90LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA020.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 1989 · N9292Z · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor improperly supervised the flight and the dual student pilot failed to properly set the fuel selector valve in the proper position. Both pilots failed to use the emergency checklist.
- [NTSB ANC90LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA005.md): Piper PA-18 · Near Cold Bay, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1989 · N4065E · Substantial damage
  > Improper use of carburetor heat by the pilot, which resulted in loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Carburetor icing conditions and high vegetation in the forced landing area were contributing factors.
- [NTSB CHI89LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA120.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Middletown, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 1989 · N1961P · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation from improper movement of the fuel selector by the pilot and his improper use of emergency procedures during the attempted engine restart. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of experience in this type of aircraft and the terrain…
- [NTSB LAX88LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA027.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Casa Grande, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1987 · N4101E · Substantial damage
  > During an instructional flt, the student was performing climbs, descents and turns when the engine sputtered and lost power. The flight instructor took control of the aircraft but was unable to restart the engine. The aircraft was landed on a dirt road where…
- [NTSB ANC87LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA159.md): Piper PA-18 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 1987 · N4370A · Substantial damage
  > The engine stopped producing power but continued to windmill. The pilot was able to glide to a gravel bar and intentionally groundlooped to avoid hitting obstructions. The pilot stated he believed the aircraft ran out of fuel.
- [NTSB ANC87LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA144.md): Piper PA-18 · Tanana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1987 · N4136E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot stated that he just lifted off the lake when the engine quit. The aircraft stalled and crashed into the lake. The pilot stated that he just ran out of fuel.
- [NTSB ANC86FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86FA152.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1986 · N3996P · Substantial damage
  > Float plane crashed into trees at end of lake just after takeoff. Witnesses reported hearing the engine backfire and sputter before it quit. Post accident examination of the engine failed to disclose mecanical failures/malfunctions.
- [NTSB MIA86LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA136.md): Piper PA-18 · Lauderdale, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 1986 · N2411P · Substantial damage
  > While towing a banner near the beach the aircraft's engine failed. The aircraft was ditched in the atlantic ocean and the pilot swam to shore. The pilot stated he became distracted watching the boats and failed to switch fuel tanks causing the right fuel tank…
- [NTSB ANC85LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA160.md): Piper PA-18 · Yuki River, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1985 · N83545 · Substantial damage
  > During a normal cruise the aircraft engine quit. The pilot attempted a emergency landing on the Yuki River. During the examination of the aircraft engine no mechanical failure or malfunction was noted. Water was located in both the fuel tanks and fuel lines.
- [NTSB ANC85LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA106.md): Piper PA-18 · King Salmon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1985 · N3684Z · Substantial damage
  > The plt stated that he was making an apch to the arpt when the acft ran out of fuel. Subsequently, the acft crash landed about 1-1/2 mi nw of the arpt.
- [NTSB DEN85LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA076.md): Piper PA-18 · Thompson Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 1985 · N3777P · Substantial damage
  > The acft nosed over during a forced lndg on terrain covered by 20 inches of snow. The flt was on deer survey flt the plt told of improper use of the carb heat control during a period of'perfect' icing conditions. The plts reduction of power during maneuvering…
- [NTSB DEN84LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA228.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Meeteetse, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1984 · N6083A · Substantial damage
  > Plt reported flt was being conducted in mountainous terrain with fog patches in the area. Conditions conducive to carb ice existed. Calculated temp at flight altitude of 9000 ft MSL: 62 degs. Plt's estimate of temp: 50 degs. Closest reported dew pt: 57 degs.…
- [NTSB ATL84LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA175.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Franklin, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 1984 · N2396J · Substantial damage
  > During flt, the eng lost power. The plt chose a small clearing for a forced landing, but just before touching down, the acft contacted an aluminum roofed shed & an electrical wire, then crash landed. An exam of the acft revealed no preimpact mechanical…

## 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" = 353))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7101828&occurrence=353

---
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.