# NTSB NYC82DA147: Piper PA-18-150, N6897B, Cape May, NJ, July 9, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1982, 12:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Cape May, NJ
- Location: 38.9411° N, 74.8984° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cape May, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9411&lon=-74.8984&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 9, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70128
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82DA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70128/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82DA147

## 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, climb
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

AFTER DEPARTING ON A BANNER TOWING MISSION, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN POWER LOSS. HE HAD INSUFFICIENT POWER AND ALTITUDE TO RETURN TO THE FIELD AND ELECTED TO DITCH IN A CREEK. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NO.2 EXHAUST VALVE, PN 75068, HAD FAILED. THE ENGINE HAD A TOTAL TIME OF 3775 HRS AND 1366 HRS HAD BEEN ACCUMULATED SINCE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6897B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6897B), registered now, S/N 18-5084, built 1956 (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: 18-5084
- Airframe hours: 9951
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Paramount Air Service
- Registered owner: Paramount Air Service
- Departed: RIO GRANDE, NJ
- Destination: RIO GRANDE, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 870 total, 64 in this make and model, 697 as pilot in command, 97 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 189 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIV, 25 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 19820709028489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820709028489A), Jul 9, 1982: Piper PA18150, Cape May, NY, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on banner tow pickup. Came to rest nose down in 4 feet of water. Engine had swallowed a valve.

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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