# NTSB ANC85LA001: Piper PA-18, N3952Z, Ohio Creek, AK, October 2, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 1, 1984, 18:45 local (Oct 2, 1984, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: Ohio Creek, AK
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4432
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4432/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA001

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear - overload (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - runway (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR WHEEL ADAPTOR BROKE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE PILOT TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY OVERTURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE WHEEL ADAPTOR DISCLOSED EVIDENCE OF TORSIONAL TENSILE OVERLOAD. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FATIGUE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3952Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3952Z), registered now, S/N 18-7810, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 187810
- Airframe hours: 3387
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ray Atkins
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 26, 1984, 50 hours before
- Departed: Z68, CANTWELL, AK
- Airport: Ohio Creek

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 10,000 total, 9,000 in this make and model, 9,800 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 30 °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 19841001052809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841001052809A), Oct 1, 1984: Piper PA18150, Ohio Creek, AK, Substantial damage. Right main wheel adaptor separated on landing. Caused loss of directional control, nosed over.

## Other investigations on N3952Z (4)

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 ANC97LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA100), Jul 8, 1997: Piper PA-18-160 (N3952Z), Cantwell, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain. Factors were exceeding the airplane's maximum allowable gross weight, and downdrafts and turbulence associated with wind flowing…
- [NTSB ANC75DAG79](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC75DAG79), Mar 25, 1975: Piper PA-18 (N3952Z), Cantwell, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA67D0144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA67D0144), Sep 16, 1966: Piper PA-18 (N3952Z), Dillon, MT, substantial damage
- [NTSB UNK64X0456](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X0456), Feb 4, 1964: Piper PA18 (N3952Z), Columbus, NE, 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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