# NTSB NYC84LA253: Piper PA-18, N9276D, Seboomook Lake, ME, July 21, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1984, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Seboomook Lake, ME
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35718
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA253
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35718/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA253

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - bird(s) (cause)
  - remedial action - not identified, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - penetrated

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ON FINAL FOR A WATER LANDING WHEN A BIRD HIT THE WINDSCREEN ACCORDING TO THE PLTS STATEMENT. A WITNESS WHO OBSERVED A DARK OBJECT (THOUGHT TO BE A CORMORANT, SINCE SEVERAL WERE SEEN IN THE AREA BEFORE & AFTER THE ACCIDENT) SAIDTHE OBJECT FLOATED AWAY FROM THE ACFT WRECKAGE AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE WINDSCREEN AND CUTS OF THE PLTS FACE FROM FLYING GLASS AND THE EFFECT OF HIS GLASSES BEING FORCIBLY IMPACTED INTO HIS EYEBROWS. THE PLT HAS A VAGUE RECOLLECTION OF AN IMPACT AT APRX 50 FT AGL. WHEN HE REVIVED HE WAS IN THE WATER, HE SAID, AND AFTER RELEASING HIMSELF, HE MANAGED TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE DOOR FROM THE SUBMERGED, INVERTED ACFT. A MAN ON SHORE HAD HEARD THE ACFT CRASH AND CAME TO THE PLTS AID, GIVING HIM A RIDE TO SHORE IN A BOAT. THE PLT HAD MAINTAINED A HIGHER APCH TO MISS OBJECTS SEEN IN THE WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9276D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9276D), registered now, S/N 18-6579, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-6579
- Airframe hours: 2790
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William Dean
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 10, 1984, 14 hours before
- Departed: JACKMAN, ME

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 26,388 total, 450 in this make and model, 14,588 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840721034729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840721034729A), Jul 21, 1984: Piper PA18A150, Seboomook Lake, ME, Substantial damage. Bird came through windshield, rendering pilot unconscious. Plane struck water, sank, pilot revived, surfaced.

## Other investigations on N9276D (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 NYC79DNC39](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC79DNC39), Jul 10, 1979: Piper PA-18S (N9276D), Jackson, ME, 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.

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