# NTSB DEN86LA072: Piper PA-18-150, N4238Z, Afton, WY, February 1, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 1, 1986, 15:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Afton, WY
- Coordinates: 42.719139, -110.920646 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7191&lon=-110.9206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16917
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16917/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA072

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - snow covered
  - pull-up - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE HAD DESCENDED TO OBSERVE WILDLIFE. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ADD PWR HE DISCOVERED THE ENG HAD QUIT. THE PLT INDICATED THE ACFT WHEEL CONTACTED THE DEEP SNOW AT A MODERATE RATE OF HORIZONTAL SPEED WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO RESTART THE ENG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4238Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4238Z-2021-05-08), registration cancelled 2021-05-08, S/N 188465, built 1966 (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: 18-8465
- Airframe hours: 3800
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Patrick M. Sellers
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 1, 1986, 100 hours before
- Departed: AFO, AFTON, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight; seat: front; flight hours: 310 total, 200 in this make and model, 210 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RKS, 102 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 19860201001959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860201001959A), Feb 1, 1986: Piper PA18150, Afton, WY, Substantial damage. Engine failed to respond after descending to observe wildlife. Failed to use carb heat. Conditions for carb icing.

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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