# NTSB ANC85LA072: Piper PA-18, N1827A, Beluga, AK, April 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1985, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Beluga, AK
- Coordinates: 55.920967, -159.490295 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=55.9210&lon=-159.4903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4484
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4484/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA072

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - qualification, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate surveillance of operation, company/operator mgmt
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose down, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT THE RIGHT SKI HIT SOMETHING DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN & BENT THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR/SKI DOWN & AFT. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON SNOW COVERED TERRAIN NEAR THE SMALL VILLAGE OF BELUGA, AK. BEFORE COMING TO REST DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT WENT OVER ON ITS NOSE. THE PLT HAD NEVER TAKEN ANY DUAL INSTRUCTION & HAD NO FAA MEDICAL OR PLT CERTIFICATE. HE STATED THAT HE HAD FLOWN ABOUT 150 HRS OVER A SEVERAL YEAR PERIOD, ALL IN N1827A. THE REGISTERED OWNER/OPERATOR WAS A PASSENGER IN THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1827A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1827A-2011-05-12), registration cancelled 2011-05-12, S/N 18-1678, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-1678
- Airframe hours: 3963
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Vince E. Morrison
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 19, 1984, 2,550 hours before
- Departed: BGQ, BIG LAKE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; seat: front; flight hours: 150 total, 150 in this make and model, 150 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F

## 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 19850424014059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850424014059A), Apr 24, 1985: Piper PA18, Beluga_________, AK, Substantial damage. On takeoff ski struck something bending ski and gear down. Aircraft nosed up on landing. Unlicensed pilot.

## Other investigations on N1827A (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 ANC86LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA031), Feb 23, 1986: Piper PA-18 (N1827A), Houston, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC85LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA037), Jan 10, 1985: Piper PA-18 (N1827A), Anchorage, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC83FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FA070), Apr 17, 1983: Piper PA-18 (N1827A), Chugiak, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC77DAH30](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC77DAH30), Sep 14, 1977: Piper PA-18 (N1827A), Sparrevohn, AK, 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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