# NTSB LAX86LA049: Piper PA-18A-150, N6878B, Likely, CA, November 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 27, 1985, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Likely, CA
- Coordinates: 41.289806, -120.439033 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2898&lon=-120.4390&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25025
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25025/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA049

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE PRACTICING POWER-OFF FORCED LANDINGS IN AN OPEN, SNOW COVERED FIELD, THE PILOT SAID HE APPLIED THE THROTTLE TO ABORT THE APPROACH BUT THE ENGINE 'SPUTTERED THEN QUIT.' THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN THE SNOW COVERED FIELD AND FLIPPED OVER. THE PILOT SAID HE THOUGHT 'IT WAS CARBURETOR ICE.' THE CLOSEST OFFICIAL WEATHER REPORTING STATION (4 NM NORTH OF THE ACCIDENT SITE) WAS REPORTING THE TEMPERATURE/DEW POINT AS 37 AND 32 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6878B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6878B), registered now, S/N 18-5061, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18A-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-5061
- Airframe hours: 886
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Tom C. Rice
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 16, 1985, 25 hours before
- Departed: S57, LIKELY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 247 total, 24 in this make and model, 203 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 37 °F
- Observed at: S11, 4 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 19851127058379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851127058379A), Nov 27, 1985: Piper PA18A150, Likely, CA, Substantial damage. Failure to use carburetor heat made engine quit on a simulated forced landing go around. Nosed over in deep snow.

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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