# NTSB DEN06CA073: Piper PA-18-150, N6083A, Cody, WY, May 7, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: May 7, 2006, 06:52 local (12:52 UTC)
- Place: Cody, WY
- Coordinates: 44.52, -109.023612
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5200&lon=-109.0236&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 29, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63645
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN06CA073
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63645/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA073

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a parked vehicle during the approach to land on a dirt road.  Contributing factors were the pilot's improper decision to land near an unsuitable landing area, and the parked vehicle.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot was attempting to clear the top of a power line and land on a ranch dirt road.  During the approach, "[the airplane] started to sink."  The pilot increased engine power; however, the airplane "wasn't going to make it over" the power line.  The airplane flew under the power line, and subsequently, the left wing impacted a parked vehicle.  The airplane skidded approximately 300 feet and came to rest upright.

## Factual narrative

According to the pilot, he was attempting to clear the top of a power line and land on a ranch dirt road.  During the approach, "[the airplane] started to sink."  The pilot increased engine power; however, the airplane "wasn't going to make it over" the power line.  The airplane flew under the power line, and subsequently, the left wing impacted a parked vehicle.  The airplane skidded approximately 300 feet and came to rest upright.  The left wing and main landing gears were separated from the airplane.  The pilot and parked vehicle occupant were not injured.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6083A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6083A), registered now, S/N 18-8009048, 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 O-320-A2B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-a2b) (registry code 42101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-8009048
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hunt Oil Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: Cody, WY
- Destination: Cody, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 330 total, 265 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20060507005509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060507005509A), May 7, 2006: Piper PA18150, Cody, WY, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting an unplanned landing on a dirt road.

## Other investigations on N6083A (3)

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 DEN88LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA154), Jul 12, 1988: Piper PA-18 (N6083A), Cody, WY, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN84LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA228), Jul 20, 1984: Piper PA-18-150 (N6083A), Meeteetse, WY, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN80FTC17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN80FTC17), May 23, 1980: Piper PA-18 (N6083A), Cheyenne, WY, substantial damage

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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