# NTSB ANC87LA058: Piper PA-18, N9073D, Valdez, AK, April 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 5, 1987, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Valdez, AK
- Coordinates: 61.150253, -146.809371 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1503&lon=-146.8094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4839
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA058
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4839/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA058

## 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
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ice/frost removal from aircraft - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE COULD NOT KEEP THE SKI EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT FROM BANKING TO THE LEFT AFTER TAKE OFF AND ELECTED TO REDUCE POWER AND LAND. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK THE GROUND AND CARTWHEELED DURING THE LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN FLOWN THE PRECEEDING DAY WITHOUT INCIDENT OR MALFUNCTION AND HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE DURING A SNOW STORM PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. A POST ACCIDENT FLIGHT CONTROL CONTINUITY CHECK DISCOVERED NO ABNORMALITIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9073D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9073D), registered now, S/N 18-6439, built 1958 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-320-A2B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-a2b) (registry code 42101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-6439
- Airframe hours: 1556
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Pierson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 15, 1986
- Airport: VDZ, Valdez

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,036 total, 232 in this make and model, 1,036 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 18 °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 19870405008509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870405008509A), Apr 5, 1987: Piper PA18A150, Valdez, AK, Substantial damage. The pilot reported loss of aileron control on takeoff and the ski plane cartwheeled. Suspect ice on controls.

## Other investigations on N9073D (2)

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 ANC21LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA024), Mar 13, 2021: Piper PA-18A 150 (N9073D), Kasilof, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss on engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB SEA69F0022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA69F0022), May 10, 1968: Piper PA-18 (N9073D), Lowell, OR, 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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