# NTSB MIA86LA136: Piper PA-18, N2411P, Lauderdale, FL, April 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 26, 1986, 15:24 local (20:24 UTC)
- Place: Lauderdale, FL
- Coordinates: 26.190567, -80.099426 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1906&lon=-80.0994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31614
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31614/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA136

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

WHILE TOWING A BANNER NEAR THE BEACH THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE FAILED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DITCHED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE PILOT SWAM TO SHORE. THE PILOT STATED HE BECAME DISTRACTED WATCHING THE BOATS AND FAILED TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS CAUSING THE RIGHT FUEL TANK TO RUN OUT OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2411P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2411P), registered now, S/N 18-8009010 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-8009010
- Airframe hours: 3144
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Vanair Aircraft Sales
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 24, 1986
- Departed: HWO, PEMBROKE PINES, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 2,550 total, 395 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLL, 6 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 19860426013929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860426013929A), Apr 26, 1986: Piper PA18150, Lauderdale By T, FL, Substantial damage. Ran right fuel tank dry on banner towing flight. Failed to switch tanks when the engine quit. Ditched in the ocean.

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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