# NTSB ANC91FA147: Piper PA-18-150, N3290Z, Wasilla, AK, September 14, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1991, 16:45 local (Sep 14, 1991, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Wasilla, AK
- Location: 61.5785° N, 149.4763° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wasilla, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.5785&lon=-149.4763&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5491
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91FA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5491/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91FA147

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT DUE TO IMPROPER LOADING OF THE AIRPLANE.

## 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 weight and balance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO WITNESS WHO WATCHED THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND AND THE PAASSENGER LOAD THE AIRPLANE AND TAKEOFF, THE CARGO AREA WAS COMPLETELY FILLED UP TO THE CEILING OF THE AIRPLANE AND THE TAKEOFF ROLL WAS SHORT.  AS SOON AS THE AIRPLANE LIFTED OFF IT ROSE INTO THE AIR WITH A VERY NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE UNTIL REACHING 100 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND.  THE WITNESS STATED THAT IT APPEARED HE WAS HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING THE NOSE OF THE AIRCRAFT DOWN.  UPON FLYING PAST THE END OF THE AIRSTRIP IT MADE A STEEP BANK TO THE RIGHT, STABILIZED FOR A MOMENT AND THEN ROLLED INVERTED, NOSED OVER AND DOVE INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3290Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3290Z), registered now, S/N 18-7227 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7227
- Airframe hours: 7240
- Engines: LYCOMING O320-B2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lawrence J. Klebenow
- Registered owner: Lawrence J. Klebenow
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 23, 1990
- Departed: WASILLA, AK
- Destination: FIELD SITE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °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 19910913040049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910913040049A), Sep 13, 1991: Piper PA18A150, Wasilla, AK, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Abrupt pulllup at rotation. Made steep nose high turn. Stalled. Had extended baggage area. Belly tank. Full load.

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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