# NTSB MIA98LA144: Piper PA-18, N225NY, St. Petersburg, FL, April 26, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 26, 1998, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC) - Place: St. Petersburg, FL - Coordinates: 27.770107, -82.630035 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.7701&lon=-82.6300&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 1, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - ADs cited in the narratives: [AD 93-18-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/93-18-03) (OpenAirDocs) - NTSB case key (mKey): 38508 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA98LA144 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38508/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA144 ## Probable cause The intentional operation of the airplane by the pilot and the company/operator with the known deficiencies in equipment (worn carburetor). Also, the poor preflight planning by the pilot for his failure to recognize that the carburetor heat control was inadvertently activated on takeoff and his inadvertent stall of the airplane while turning to reverse direction. Contributing to the accident was the separation of the carburetor heat control cable. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - fuel system,carburetor - worn - operation with known deficiencies in equipment, pilot in command (cause) - operation with known deficiencies in equipment, company/operator management (cause) - carburetor heat - intentional, pilot in command - carburetor heat control,cable/push-pull rod - separation (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - water ## Analysis Before takeoff, the pilot performed an engine run-up and noted after removing carburetor heat, that the handle was 'loose.' During the initial climb, the engine experienced a partial loss of power and black smoke was noted coming from the exhaust. While maneuvering to return, the airplane stalled and crashed into water. Examination of the engine revealed no mechanical failure or malfunction. The carburetor heat control cable was found to be separated from the carburetor heat control arm assembly. Disassembly of the carburetor revealed evidence of previous fuel leakage from the carburetor bowl vent which would introduce extra fuel into the air induction system. Also, the adjustment tab of the metal float and the head of the float needle valve were determined to be worn. The carburetor was installed on the engine on June 3, 1996, and had accumulated 1,246 hours since installation at the time of the accident. The accepted procedure after removing carburetor heat is to note that the engine rpm's increase either to the setting before the heat was applied, or to a greater rpm is carburetor ice was present. The worn condition of the carburetor was known for the past 7 years, according to the pilot. ## Factual narrative On April 26, 1998, about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18, N225NY, registered to a private individual and operated by Advertising Air Force, Inc., crashed into the Tampa Bay, near St. Petersburg, Florida, shortly after takeoff from the Albert Whitted Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 banner tow flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 1212 from the Albert Whitted Airport. The pilot stated that before takeoff, he performed a static run-up of the engine which included applying carburetor heat. He noted after removing carburetor heat, that the handle was "loose." He then initiated the takeoff and during the initial climb, he heard a loud "popping" sound from the engine and the engine experienced a loss of power accompanied by black smoke. He called "mayday" and while attempting to return to the airport, the airplane was inadvertently stalled and impacted the water nose and left wing low. He further stated that at full rated power, the mixture had to be leaned, and that condition had existed for about 7 years. According to the operator, he had been employed there as a pilot on and off for the past 8 years. Examination of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the left main landing gear was separated from the airframe and the engine firewall was damaged. The flight controls were inspected with no evidence of failure or malfunction. Fuel was found in the carburetor bowl and fuel lines; 35 gallons drained from the fuel tanks. Examination of the engine revealed crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train continuity. The magnetos were determined to be properly timed to the engine and were found to operate normally. The carburetor heat control cable was found separated at the control lever at the airbox assembly, but the attach hardware was in place. No portion of failed cable was found in the hole of the attach bolt. The carburetor was removed for further examination. Disassembly of the carburetor revealed that the float level was too high due to the worn condition of both the head of the float needle valve, and the adjustment tab of the float assembly. Evidence of previous fuel leakage was noted from the carburetor bowl vent due to cleaning of the accumulated deposits upstream of the vent opening in the throat area of the carburetor. Additionally, the nozzle assembly which was correct by part number, was bench tested and found to be out of limits (high) in terms of fuel flow. This was caused by the worn condition of the nozzle assembly. A date stamp on the float bracket for the metal float indicates that the bracket was manufactured in July 1984. According to the carburetor manufacturer, it was manufactured on September 24, 1962, with no record of it ever being sent to the manufacturers facility for overhaul. At manufacture, a composite type float was installed. In April 1984, the manufacturer issued a Service Bulletin which specified changing the composite float to a metal type float. Review of the provided aircraft maintenance records revealed no record of the installed carburetor being overhauled. The records indicate that on July 29, 1997, a one-piece venturi was installed in accordance with Airworthiness Directive (AD 93-18-03). The records also indicate that on April 18, 1998, the airbox shaft bushings were repaired with clamps. The maintenance records also indicate that accident carburetor was installed on the engine on June 3, 1996, and had accumulated 1,246 hours since installation in 1996, at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N225NY](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N225NY-2009-04-22), registration cancelled 2009-04-22, S/N 18-2266, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18 - Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-2266 - Airframe hours: 13977 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A3B 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Operator: Advertising Air Force - Registered owner: Thomas W. Merrifield - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, March 29, 1998, 67 hours before - Departed: SPG - Airport: SPG, Albert Whitted, runway 18, 2,865 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,700 total, 1,300 in this make and model, 1,570 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 26 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SPG ## 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 19980426007679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980426007679A), Apr 26, 1998: Piper PA18, St Petersburg, FL, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Ditched in bay. Throttle disconnected. (.4)on April 26, 1998, about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18, N225NY, registered to a… ## Other investigations on N225NY (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 MIA82DA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA82DA153), Jul 13, 1982: Piper PA-18 (N225NY), Kenneth City, FL, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.