# NTSB DEN82FTA11: Piper PA-18, N83620, Hardin, MI, August 13, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1982, 09:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Hardin, MI
- Coordinates: 45.699531, -107.689575 (estimated)
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70960
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82FTA11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70960/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTA11

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - base turn

## Analysis

THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND 3/4 MI WEST OF THE NW END OF A FARM RWY IN THE APPROXIMATE POSITION OF WHERE A RIGHT TURN WOULD OCCUR FROM THE DOWNWIND LEG TO THE BASE LEG OF A RIGHT PATTERN TO THE SE RWY. THE WRECKAGE SHOWED EVIDENCE OF A RIGHT ROTATIONAL MOMENT AT IMPACT. A WITNESS OBSERVED THE ACFT MAKING SEVERAL TAKEOFFS & LANDINGS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. AT THAT TIME THE PLT WAS OBSERVED IN THE REAR SEAT. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE PLT WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83620](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N83620), registered now, S/N 18-7709086 (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: 187709086
- Airframe hours: 854
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mike L. Mekling
- Registered owner: Mike L. Mekling
- Departed: HARDIN, MI
- Destination: HARDIN, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 524 total, 480 in this make and model, 478 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 167 °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 19820813038029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820813038029A), Aug 13, 1982: Piper PA18150, Hardin, MT, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft found crashed 3/4 mile from private airport. No witnesses to accident.

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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