# NTSB SEA08CA018: Piper PA-18-150, N4153M, Stockton, CA, November 1, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 31, 2007, 17:30 local (Nov 1, 2007, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Stockton, CA
- Coordinates: 38.066387, -121.408332
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0664&lon=-121.4083&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 67013
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA08CA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67013/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08CA018

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ditch while taxiing.  Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and the ditch.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, taxi - to takeoff
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, taxi - to takeoff

## Analysis

The pilot reported that while taxing the tailwheel-equipped airplane into position for takeoff from a private airstrip, the main landing gear struck a ditch stopping the aircraft's forward movement almost instantly.  Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.  Examination of the aircraft by the pilot revealed that the rudder and two lift struts were bent.  The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that while taxing the tailwheel-equipped airplane into position for takeoff from a private airstrip, the main landing gear struck a ditch stopping the aircraft's forward movement almost instantly.  Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.  Examination of the aircraft by the pilot revealed that the rudder and two lift struts were bent.  The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft at the time of the accident.  The pilot stated in the Recommendation (How could this accident/incident have been prevented?) section of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1)  "better inspection of surface prior to taxiing."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4153M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4153M), registered now, S/N 1809042, built 1989 (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: 1809042
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: David A. Kirsten
- Registered owner: Kirsten Co LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PVT, Stockton, CA
- Airport: NONE, Private Airstrip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; seat: front; flight hours: 3,000 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 25 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Observed at: PLT

## 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 20071031827489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071031827489A), Oct 31, 2007: Piper PA18150, Stockton, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft N4153M, PA-18-150, flipped over while taxiing in a plowed field in Stockton, CA on 10/31/07 at 1730 PDT. Substantial damage to aircraft and no…

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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