# NTSB DEN86LA260: Piper PA-18-150, N7289K, Wright, WY, September 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1986, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Wright, WY
- Coordinates: 43.749267, -105.489387 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7493&lon=-105.4894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17054
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA260
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17054/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA260

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - aileron - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACFT WAS TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF FROM DRIVEWAY ON PRIVATE RANCH. PLT SAID THERE WAS STRONG X-WING GUSTING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. PLT SAID HE WAS HOLDING RIGHT RUDDER WHEN WIND VELOCITY DECREASED. WING TIP STRUCK POST BESIDE DRIVEWAY, ACFT TURNED RIGHT, AND ROLLED INTO DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7289K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7289K), registered now, S/N 18-200, built 1950 (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: 18-200
- Airframe hours: 1003
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: Clarence E. Reynolds
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 28, 1985

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 241 total, 210 in this make and model, 175 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 16 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GCC, 40 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 19860926052359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860926052359A), Sep 26, 1986: Piper PA18150, Wright, WY, Substantial damage. The wingtip struck a post as the pilot was taxiing from a neighbors driveway. Winds were reportedly gusty.

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.