# NTSB ANC86LA162: Piper PA-18-150, N4421Z, Wood River, AK, September 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1986, 18:00 local (Sep 21, 1986, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Wood River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4746
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA162
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4746/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA162

## 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
  - wind information - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT AFTER LIFT OFF THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DUE TO THE LEFT CROSSWIND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4421Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4421Z-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N 18-8758, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-8758
- Airframe hours: 663
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Myron S. Whalin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 18, 1986, 2 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 600 total, 600 in this make and model, 585 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 39 °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 19860920055839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860920055839A), Sep 20, 1986: Piper PA18150, Woods River, AK, Substantial damage. Lost control after takeoff from short gravel bar. Impacted in River. Pilot stated he had a crosswind shear.

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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