# NTSB DEN86LA143: Piper PA-18, N4043E, Decker, MT, May 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1986, 06:20 local (12:20 UTC)
- Place: Decker, MT
- Coordinates: 45.119415, -106.639091 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1194&lon=-106.6391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16968
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA143
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16968/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA143

## 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 - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A DOWNWIND LANDING IN A GRASS COVERED PASTURE, LANDED LONG AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND. DURING THE GO-AROUND WITH THE FLAPS RETRACTED THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A WIRE FENCE AND IMPACTED A HORSE TRAILER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED. THE PLT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4043E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4043E), registered now, S/N 18-7809049, built 1977 (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: 18-7809049
- Airframe hours: 1287
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Daniel Scott, doing business as Flting V Cattle Co
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1985
- Departed: DAYTON, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 201 total, 23 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 90° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 19 °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 19860526019539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860526019539A), May 26, 1986: Piper PA18150, Decker, WY, Destroyed. Attempted go around after downwind landing, unable to climb, struck fence and horse trailer.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.