# NTSB DEN90FA139: Piper PA-18, N9926D, Laurel, MT, June 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1990, 21:30 local (Jun 22, 1990, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Laurel, MT
- Coordinates: 45.59922, -108.679962 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5992&lon=-108.6800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17837
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90FA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17837/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA139

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM OTHER OBJECTS WWHILE MANEUVERING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT WAS GIVING RIDES TO RELATIVES AND FRIENDS AND FLYING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A COMPANION AIRCRAFT AT LOW ALTITUDE. THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT STRUCK TREES ALONG THE SIDE OF A CANYON, IMPACTED INTO THE CANYON WALL, AND WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT AND FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9926D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9926D-1991-02-04), registration cancelled 1991-02-04, S/N 186970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-6970
- Engines: LYCOMING O-275-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John M. Pierce

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 383 total, 30 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BIL, 17 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 19900621021469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900621021469A), Jun 21, 1990: Piper STCPA18, Laurel, MT, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Was observed flying in canyon with another PA18. Struck a tree and canyon wall and burned.

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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