# NTSB SEA76FTI38: Piper PA-18A, N1189C, Helena, MT, August 31, 1976

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Closed
- Date: August 31, 1976
- Place: Helena, MT · HELENA, MT
- Location: 46.5955° N, 112.0187° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Helena, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5955&lon=-112.0187&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 4, 1976
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 155242
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA76FTI38
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA76FTI38

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-2823  76/8/31  NR.HELENA,MT          PIPER PA-18A        CR-  1  0  0  NONCOMMERCIAL             PRIVATE, AGE 59, 3500
        TIME - 1251                    N1189C              PX-  0  0  0  BUSINESS                  TOTAL HOURS, UNK/NR IN
                                       DAMAGE-SUBSTANTIAL  OT-  0  0  0                            TYPE, INSTRUMENT RATED.
        NAME OF AIRPORT - MAGPIE RIDGE
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
          GREAT FALLS,MT             HELENA,MT
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           COLLIDED WITH: WIRES/POLES                               LANDING: FINAL APPROACH
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND/OR PLANNING
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID OBJECTS OR OBSTRUCTIONS
        FACTOR(S)
           TERRAIN - HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - RUNWAY CLOSED
        REMARKS- STRUCK TELEPHONE WIRES WHILE ATTEMPTING LDG ON CLOSED RWY AT PVT AIRPORT.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1189C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1189C), registered now, S/N 18-2470 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18A
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a) (registry code 7101804) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Airport: Magpie Ridge

## 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 19760831037049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19760831037049A), Aug 31, 1976: Piper PA18A, Helena, MT, Substantial damage. Struck telephone wires while attempting ldg on closed rwy at pvt airport.

## Other investigations on N1189C (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 LAX65A0083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX65A0083), Apr 16, 1965: Piper PA18A (N1189C), Santa Maria, CA, 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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