# NTSB MKC85LA018: Piper PA-18-150, N4312Z, Algona, IA, November 7, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 7, 1984, 09:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Algona, IA
- Coordinates: 43.069324, -94.23014 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0693&lon=-94.2301&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33886
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33886/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA018

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - exhaust system,muffler - failure,partial (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - exhaust system,muffler - blocked(partial) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL AFTER TAKEOFF, ENG LOST PWR. PLT ATTEMPTED TO CIRCLE TO LAND ON CLOSEST RUNWAY BUT ENG WAS DEVELOPING INSUFFICIENT PWR TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE IN TURN. ACFT TOUCHED DOWN 150 FT SHORT OF THRESHOLD. PLT DID NOT LEVEL WINGS PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED FLAME TUBE IN MUFFLER DISINTEGRATED & FRAGMENTS BLOCKED EXHAUST. ACFT ANNUAL INSPECTION PERFORMED 30 FLT HRS PRIOR TO MISHAP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4312Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4312Z), registered now, S/N 18-8622, built 1967 (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: 18-8622
- Airframe hours: 1677
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kohlhass Spraying, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1984, 30 hours before
- Destination: SPW, SPENCER, IA
- Airport: AXA, Algona Municipal, runway 12, 3,960 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,184 total, 10 in this make and model, 1,121 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °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 19841107060649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841107060649A), Nov 7, 1984: Piper PA18150, Algona, IA, Substantial damage. Engine lost partial power on climbout. Crash landed short trying to return. Muffler flange block exhaust outlet.

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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