# NTSB ANC85LA096: Piper PA-18, N4876A, Mulchatna River, AK, June 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1985, 13:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Mulchatna River, AK
- 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): 4501
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4501/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA096

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff
  - landing gear,axle - output low (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - flight manuals - disregarded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - information insufficient, pilot in command
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff

## Analysis

PLT REPORTED THAT LEFT WHEEL AXLE BROKE DURING ABORTED TAKEOFF FROM GRAVEL BAR, CAUSING ACFT TO GROUND LOOP. PLT FAILED TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFO & BROKEN AXLE FOR ANALYSIS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4876A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4876A), registered now, S/N 18-4975, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A RESTRICTED](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-restricted) (registry code 7101834) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-290-D2](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-290-d2) (registry code 42090, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-4975
- Engines: unknown 0 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R. Mcdade
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MULCHATNA RIVER, AK
- Destination: PORTAGE CREEK, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 7,000 total, 6,000 in this make and model, 80 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point -0 °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 19850617025849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850617025849A), Jun 17, 1985: Piper PA18A, Mulchatna River, AK, Substantial damage. Left axle broke during aborted crosswind takeoff from a gravel bar. Aircraft ground looped.

## Other investigations on N4876A (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 ANC83LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83LA050), Feb 27, 1983: Piper PA-18 (N4876A), Northway, 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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