# NTSB NYC85LA186: Piper PA-18-95, N5777D, Stowe, VT, July 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1985, 09:57 local (13:57 UTC)
- Place: Stowe, VT
- Location: 44.4672° N, 72.6838° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Stowe, VT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4672&lon=-72.6838&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35924
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35924/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA186

## 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 - normal
  - engine assembly,push rod - disabled (cause)
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - disabled (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Gear collapsed, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (cause)
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLT, THE PLT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING COMING FROM THE ENG AND A DECREASE IN OIL PRESSURE. DURING THE LANDING IN A FLD, THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG DISCLOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC LIFTERS OF THREE OF THE FOUR CYLINDERS HAD FAILED. THE CORRESPONDING INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES WERE NOT OPENING PROPERLY DURING ENG OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5777D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5777D-1989-01-04), registration cancelled 1989-01-04, S/N 185279 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-95
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-5279
- Airframe hours: 2450
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leonard R. Dubois
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1985, 95 hours before
- Departed: SWANTON, VT
- Destination: MPV, MONTPELIER, VT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 196 total, 110 in this make and model, 106 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 61 °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 19850720065379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850720065379A), Jul 20, 1985: Piper PA18, Stowe, VT, Substantial damage. Ground looped during downwind emergency landing after knock in engine. Hydraulic lifters in 3 cylinders failed.

## Other investigations on N5777D (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 MIA75DKG35](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA75DKG35), Oct 9, 1974: Piper PA-18 (N5777D), Brooklet, GA, destroyed

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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