# NTSB NYC82FHM07: Piper PA-18-150, N6879B, Sandy Hook Beac, NJ, June 20, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 20, 1982, 14:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Sandy Hook Beac, NJ
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72522
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82FHM07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72522/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82FHM07

## 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, cruise
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - other (cause)
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - movement restricted (cause)
- Forced landing, approach
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - object - other person (contributing factor)
  - object (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS TOWING A BANNER, THE ENGINE RPM BEGAN TO DECREASE. HE INITIATED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, BUT COULD NOT RESTORE THE POWER. THE PLANE WAS MANEUVERED FOR A FORCED LANDING ON A BEACH. THE PLANE CRASHED ON THE BEACH WHILE THE PILOT WAS TURNING TO AVOID PEOPLE AND DRIFTWOOD. DURING AN INVESTIGATION, THE NO. 3 CYLINDER HAD NO COMPRESSION WHEN IT WAS CHECKED. SIGNIFICANT LEAD DEPOSITS WERE FOUND ON THE STEM OF THE NO. 3 EXHAUST VALVE AND ON ITS VALVE SEAT. THE FACE OF THE VALVE WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH ONLY ABOUT 60 PERCENT OF THE SEAT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6879B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 185465
- Airframe hours: 6138
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Aerial Advertising Agency
- Registered owner: Aerial Advertising Agency
- Departed: NG1, COLT'S NECK, NJ
- Destination: NG1, COLT'S NECK, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,913 total, 58 in this make and model, 1,913 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles

## 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 19820620023319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820620023319A), Jun 20, 1982: Piper PA18, Highlands, NJ, Substantial damage. Engine quit during banner tow operation, airplane crashed on beach during emergency landing.

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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