# NTSB ANC90LA186: Piper PA-18-150, N2518A, Delta Junction, AK, September 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1990, 14:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Delta Junction, AK
- Coordinates: 63.699291, -144.889633 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=63.6993&lon=-144.8896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5465
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC90LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5465/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA186

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE REMOVAL OF SNOW AND ICE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - wing - ice (contributing factor)
  - ice/frost removal from aircraft - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD JUST FLOWN THROUGH RAIN & SNOW BEFORE LANDING ON THE GRAVEL STRIP. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES ON THE GROUND, HE NOTICED THAT THE RAIN & SNOW WERE FREEZING ON THE AIRPLANE'S SURFACES, WHICH HE WIPED OFF BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE TAKEOFF. AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE AIRPLANE WOULD ONLY CLIMB TO ABOUT 2 FT AGL. THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR HIT A LOG DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2518A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2518A), registered now, S/N 18-2148, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-2148
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald E. Beck
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 750 total, 500 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 25 °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 19900922043359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900922043359A), Sep 22, 1990: Piper PA18150, Delta Junction, AK, Substantial damage. Landed on gravel bar due to icing and IMC. Wiped plane and tried to takeoff unable to fly hit log. Ice on airframe.

## Other investigations on N2518A (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 GAA16CA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA204), Apr 19, 2016: Piper PA 18 (N2518A), Palmer, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain and incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
- [NTSB OAK74DXQ27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74DXQ27), Mar 18, 1974: Piper PA-18 (N2518A), Ely, NV, 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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