# NTSB ANC92FA148: Piper PA-18, N4493Z, Anchorage, AK, September 1, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1992, 21:08 local (Sep 1, 1992, 05:08 UTC)
- Place: Anchorage, AK
- Coordinates: 61.150108, -149.880477 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1501&lon=-149.8805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5648
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92FA148
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5648/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92FA148

## Probable cause

MISJUDGMENT BY THE PILOT TO INSURE ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM OBJECTS IN THE TAKEOFF AREA, WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE MAIN LANDING GEAR ON TAKEOFF, AND THE UNCONTROLLED GROUND LOOP BY THE PILOT DURING A LANDING WITH THE DAMAGED LANDING GEAR.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE STUMP OR LOG OBSTRUCTING THE TAKEOFF AREA, AND THE DISTORTION TO THE LANDING GEAR FOLLOWING THE TAKEOFF AT THE REMOTE LOCATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - other (contributing factor)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - distorted (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE PA-18 EQUIPPED WITH BALLOON TIRES STRUCK A STUMP OR OTHER OBJECT PRIOR TO BECOMING AIRBORNE AT A REMOTE STRIP. AFTER STRIKING THE OBJECT, THE PILOT BECAME AIRBORNE, ASSESSED DAMAGED TO THE LANDING GEAR AND CONTINUED THE FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. UPON TOUCHDOWN THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE DAMAGED MAIN GEAR AND NOSED OVER ON LANDING ROLL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4493Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4493Z), registered now, S/N 18-8847, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- 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: 18-8847
- Airframe hours: 1511
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gates, George F.
- Registered owner: Mary Gates
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 14, 1992, 18 hours before
- Departed: ENA, TRADING BAY, AK
- Airport: ANC, Anchorage International, runway 24, 10,600 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,938 total, 1,038 in this make and model, 1,892 as pilot in command, 56.9 in the last 90 days, 17.3 in the last 30 days, 1.5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 190° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ANC, 1 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 19920831034109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920831034109A), Aug 31, 1992: Piper PA18150, Anchorage, AK, Substantial damage. Left main gear struck a log on departing remote strip and collapsed landing at home base.

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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