# NTSB CHI91DTK01: Piper PA-18-125, N1799A, Newell, SD, May 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1991, 10:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Newell, SD
- Coordinates: 44.709506, -103.410881 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7095&lon=-103.4109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14878
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91DTK01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14878/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DTK01

## Probable cause

AN INADVERTENT STALL/SPIN DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE PILOT.  FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE THE PILOT'S DISREGARD FOR PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES AND INADEQUATE INITIAL TRAINING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - decision height - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - disregarded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate initial training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE USING THE AIRPLANE TO SEARCH FOR NEWBORN LIVESTOCK.  A WITNESS SAW THE AIRPLANE, 'IN A SPIN.  IT ROTATED TOW OR THREE TIMES COMPLETELY AROUND.'  IT WENT OUT OF SIGHT BEHIND A HILL AND THE WITNESS SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES AND WENT TO THE SCENE.  RECORDS SHOW THE PILOT'S LAST PERIOD OF DUAL INSTRUCTION, WHICH INCLUDED AN ENDORSEMENT FOR SOLO FLIGHT, ELEVEN MONTHS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.  HE LISTED AN EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF 275 FLIGHT HOURS.  NO MECHANICAL DEFECTS WERE FOUND IN THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1799A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1799A-1991-10-17), registration cancelled 1991-10-17, S/N 181669 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-125
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18AS-125](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18as-125) (registry code 7101816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 181669
- Engines: LYCOMING 0290 DTC 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Orwick Ranch
- Departed: NEWELL, SD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 275 total, 275 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 15 knots
- Temperature: -0 °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 19910526017079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910526017079A), May 26, 1991: Piper PA18125, Newell, SD, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Stalled and spun in while searching for newborn lambs. No recent logged time or student CFI endorsements.

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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