# NTSB FTW82DA165: Piper PA-18-150, N7615Z, Marfa, TX, May 3, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1982, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Marfa, TX
- Coordinates: 30.310419, -104.02069 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3104&lon=-104.0207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA165

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - rudder - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, dual student (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - elevator - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - stall/mush - not corrected, dual student (contributing factor)
  - throttle/power control - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL FOR A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT. THE INSTRUCTOR WAS ABLE TO OVERPOWER THE STUDENT ON THE RUDDER PEDALS BUT NOT THE AFT STICK PRESSURE. THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED OFF THEN SETTLED BACK TO THE RUNWAY IN A THREE-POINT ATTITUDE AND COLLIDED WITH A FENCE. THE STUDENT PILOT STATED HE DID NOT HEAR THE INSTRUCTOR'S DIRECTION TO LOWER THE NOSE OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7615Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7615Z), registered now, S/N 18-8398, 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: 18-8398
- Airframe hours: 961
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Danny Nunn
- Registered owner: Danny Nunn
- Departed: MARFA, TX
- Destination: ALPINE, TX
- Airport: Escondido Ranch, runway 17, 1,500 × 0 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 15,610 total, 4,100 in this make and model, 15,009 as pilot in command, 164 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Temperature: 144 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820503013929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820503013929A), May 3, 1982: Piper PA18150, Marfa, TX, Substantial damage. Instructor claims he could not overpower student during takeoff, aircraft ran through fence at end of runway.

## Other investigations on N7615Z (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC03LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA187), Sep 1, 2003: Piper PA-18-150 (N7615Z), Midland, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Loss of engine power due to unknown circumstances.

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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