# NTSB ATL84LA175: Piper PA-18-150, N2396J, Franklin, NC, May 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1984, 15:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Franklin, NC
- Coordinates: 35.180053, -83.380355 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1801&lon=-83.3804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6459
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6459/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA175

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING FLT, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT CHOSE A SMALL CLEARING FOR A FORCED LANDING, BUT JUST BEFORE TOUCHING DOWN, THE ACFT CONTACTED AN ALUMINUM ROOFED SHED & AN ELECTRICAL WIRE, THEN CRASH LANDED. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. THE TEMP & DEW POINT AT ASHVILLE, NC, WERE REPORTED AS 87 & 56 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE DID NOT REMEMBER USING CARBURETOR HEAT. ACCORDING TO THE ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2396J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2396J), registered now, S/N 18-7909116, built 1979 (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: 18-79909116
- Airframe hours: 814
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lofton Leland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 1A5, FRANKLIN, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 365 total, 70 in this make and model, 365 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AVL, 44 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 19840519017559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840519017559A), May 19, 1984: Piper PA18150, Franklin, NC, Substantial damage. Crash landed after engine quit. Conditions good for carb ice. Aircraft out of annual. Student carried a passenger.

## Other investigations on N2396J (1)

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 CHI06CA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA228), Aug 7, 2006: Piper PA-18 (N2396J), Waukesha, WI, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a groundloop. Factors included the closed runway and the crosswind condition.

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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