# NTSB CHI08CA005: Piper PA-18-150, N4157R, Hot Springs, AR, October 4, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 4, 2007, 16:10 local (21:10 UTC)
- Place: Hot Springs, AR
- Coordinates: 34.4777777777778, -93.0961111111111
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4778&lon=-93.0961&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2008
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: LIT FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 67089
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI08CA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67089/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA005

## Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot resulting in fuel starvation while maneuvering over a lake at too low altitude for a safe landing.  An additional cause was the unsuitable terrain encountered during landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system - starvation/exhaustion (cause)
  - terrain condition - water
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing
  - altitude - low, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The airplane received substantial damage during a forced landing on a lake. The pilot reported a total loss of engine power while maneuvering over a lake at 300-500 feet above ground level.  Post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the left fuel tank and a mixture of water and fuel in the right fuel tank. The fuel selector was selected to the left tank. There was no fuel found in the gascolator. The airplane rudder was "folded" over. The pilot reported minor injuries.

## Factual narrative

The airplane received substantial damage during a forced landing on a lake. The pilot reported a total loss of engine power while maneuvering over a lake at 300-500 feet above ground level.  Post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the left fuel tank and a mixture of water and fuel in the right fuel tank. The fuel selector was selected to the left tank. There was no fuel found in the gascolator. The airplane rudder was "folded" over. The pilot reported minor injuries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4157R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4157R), registered now, S/N 1809076, built 1993 (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: 1809076
- Airframe hours: 580
- Engines: Textron Lycoming O-320 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Pilot
- Registered owner: James East/ SuperCub, LLC.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 2006
- Departed: HOT, Hot Springs, AR
- Destination: ORK, North Little Ro, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review September 1, 2006; seat: front; flight hours: 197 total, 124 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.89 inHg
- Observed at: HOT

## 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 20071004022289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071004022289A), Oct 4, 2007: Piper PA18150, Lake Ouachita, AR, Substantial damage. (-23) 10/04/2007 N4157R a Piper PA-18 s/n 1809076 crashed into Lake Ouachita near the brady mountain campgrounds west of hot springs, Arkansas. Aircraft had…

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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