# NTSB MKC85FA169: Piper PA-18, N9973Q, North Loup, NE, July 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1985, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: North Loup, NE
- Coordinates: 41.490638, -98.769561 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4906&lon=-98.7696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33845
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33845/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA169

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command
  - pull-up - initiated, pilot in command
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING LOW OVER THE GROUND IN THE VICINITY OF WHERE IT EVENTUALLY CRASHED. A WITNESS APRX 1/2 MI FROM THE CRASH SITE NOTICED THE PLANE FLYING LOW OVER A CORN FIELD AS THOUGH THE STUDENT PLT WAS PRACTICING AG-ACFT TYPE SWATH RUNS. (THE ACFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED FOR SUCH OPERATIONS). AT THE END OF EACH SWATH RUN, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO PULL UP SHARPLY. AFTER THE LAST PULL-UP, IT ROTATED 180 DEG AT THE TOP OF THE MANEUVER, THEN DESCENDED & IMPACTED THE GROUND WHERE IT BURNED & WAS DEMOLISHED BY FIRE. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE FLT CONTROL CONNECTIONS WERE INTACT. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT THE ACFT IMPACTED IN A NEAR VERTICAL DESCENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9973Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9973Q-2017-06-01), registration cancelled 2017-06-01, S/N 54-2630, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-135) (registry code 7101820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 54-2630
- Engines: LYCOMING O-200-D 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary L. Wells
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 10K, SCOTIA, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ODX, 8 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 19850727034629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850727034629A), Jul 27, 1985: Piper PA18135, North Loup, NE, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Student pilot carrying passenger was seen dragging wheels in corn. Aircraft pulled up, stalled and struck ground.

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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