# NTSB FTW83LA171: Piper PA-18-150, N2421S, Los Lunas, NM, March 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1983, 11:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Los Lunas, NM
- Coordinates: 34.810348, -106.730567 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8103&lon=-106.7306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20851
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20851/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA171

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE PLT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE ACFT & IT WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RWY & HIT AN IRRIGATION DITCH. REPORTEDLY, THERE WAS NO ACFT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE PRIOR TO THE MISHAP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2421S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2421S), registered now, S/N 18-7909147, built 1979 (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: B-7909147
- Airframe hours: 260
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: C.B. Connell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 18, 1982, 219 hours before
- Departed: TRUTH OR CONS, NM
- Airport: E98, Mid Valley, runway 17, 4,200 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,150 total, 200 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 3 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19830330067539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830330067539A), Mar 30, 1983: Piper PA18150, Los Lunas, NM, Substantial damage. Pilot lost directional control during landing roll and aircraft rolled into ditch off side of runway.

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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