# NTSB ANC86FA151: Piper PA-18, N150SG, Christian Lake, AK, September 12, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 12, 1986, 15:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Christian Lake, AK
- Coordinates: 63.610466, -154.780975 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=63.6105&lon=-154.7810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4608
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86FA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4608/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86FA151

## Analysis

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND OF THE FLOAT EQUIPPED AIRPLANE, OVERLOADED THE AIRPLANE BEYOND THE AFT LIMIT OF THE CENTER OF GRAVITY RANGE. HE TOOK OFF WITHOUT FLAPS AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN AWAY FROM RISING TERRAIN. THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND CRASHED.

## 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,flap - not engaged (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuselage,cargo compartment - overload (contributing factor)
  - performance data - disregarded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft weight and balance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N150SG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N150SG-1986-09-12), registration cancelled 1986-09-12, S/N 18-6375, built 1958 (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: 18-6375
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Daniel J. Cowan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: KENAI, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 257 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °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 19860912044659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860912044659A), Sep 12, 1986: Piper PA18150, Christian Lake, AK, Destroyed. The floatplane stalled while turning back over the lake and impacted terrain. CG aft of limit. Alcohol a factor.

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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