# NTSB ANC85FA031: Piper PA-18, N6767B, Girdwood, AK, December 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 24, 1984, 15:55 local (19:55 UTC)
- Place: Girdwood, AK
- Coordinates: 60.900306, -148.90979 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.9003&lon=-148.9098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4392
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85FA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4392/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85FA031

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight control system - failure,total (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - maintenance,lubrication - not performed, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED A LOSS OF ELEVATOR CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB PORTION OF A TOUCH-&-GO LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED A BROKEN TURNBUCKLE THAT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE UPPER END OF THE ELEVATOR HORN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6767B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6767B), registered now, S/N 18-5042, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 185042
- Airframe hours: 3047
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Allen K. Alligood
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 30, 1984, 138 hours before
- Departed: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Destination: AQK, GIRDWOOD, AK
- Airport: AQY, Girdwood, runway 1, 2,100 × 80 ft, snow

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 450 total, 300 in this make and model, 263 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 9 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19841224068409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841224068409A), Dec 24, 1984: Piper PA18A150, Girdwood, AK, Substantial damage. Lost elevator control after liftoff. Impacted ground. Elevator bellcrank turnbuckle failed.

## Other investigations on N6767B (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB FTW76FPM20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76FPM20), May 11, 1976: Piper PA-18 (N6767B), Pryor Creek, OK, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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