# NTSB ANC86LA149: Piper PA-18, N9049Z, Umiat, AK, September 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1986, 12:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Umiat, AK
- Location: 69.3669° N, 152.1442° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Umiat, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=69.3669&lon=-152.1442&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA149

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 1986 FOR A LOCAL HUNTING TRIP WITH A CLIENT. THE AIRPLANE DID NOT RETURN AND THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1986. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY POST-IMPACT FIRE. ACCORDING TO THE GUIDE, FOR WHOM THE PILOT WAS WORKING, THE AIRPLANE WAS USING UNLEADED AUTOMOTIVE FUEL. THE ENGINE TEARDOWN REVEALED ONLY IMPACT AND FIRE DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9049Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9049Z-1986-09-08), registration cancelled 1986-09-08, S/N 18-6641 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-6641
- Airframe hours: 3197
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth C. Swanson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 29, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 584 total, 533 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: UMT, 28 nm away

## 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 19860908045879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860908045879A), Sep 8, 1986: Piper STCPA18, Umiat, AK, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The plane impacted terrain. Engine not producing power due to undetermined cause. Oil screens clogged. Auto gas.

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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