# NTSB ANC87LA108: Piper PA-18-150, N4454Z, Dillingham, AK, July 26, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1987, 15:03 local (23:03 UTC)
- Place: Dillingham, AK
- Coordinates: 58.820636, -157.859527 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=58.8206&lon=-157.8595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4880
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4880/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA108

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN APPROACH FOR LANDING THE FLOAT EQUIPPED AIRPLANE STALLED AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL INDICATED AIRSPEED. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO EFFECT RECOVERY AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN WET TUNDRA. THE WIND AT SHANNON POND AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS DESCRIBED AS 'SQUIRRELY' WITH SHEAR WINDS AT OR NEAR THE TREE LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4454Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4454Z), registered now, S/N 18-8801 (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 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 188801
- Airframe hours: 1356
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: H. W. Brunnhoelzl III
- Registered owner: Harry William Brunn Hoelzl III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1987
- Departed: SNAKE LAKE, AK
- Destination: DILLINGHAM, AK
- Airport: Shannon Pond

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 902 total, 902 in this make and model, 840 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 8 knots, gusting 13
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLG, 4 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 19870726038299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870726038299A), Jul 26, 1987: Piper PA18, Dillingham, AK, Substantial damage. Stalled and impacted tundra nose first while on approach to a pond. Windshear existed. Pilot lacked stall knowledge

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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