# NTSB SEA85FA036: Piper PA-18-150, N9659P, Imlay, NV, December 25, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 25, 1984, 15:10 local (23:10 UTC)
- Place: Imlay, NV
- Coordinates: 40.550765, -118.030036 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5508&lon=-118.0300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40026
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40026/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA036

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PLT WAS REPORTEDLY ENGAGED IN AERIAL COYOTE HUNTING, WITNESSES OBSERVED ACFT OF THIS DESCRIPTION FLYING LOW AND SLOW IN VICINITY BUT THERE WERE NO EYEWITNESSES TO THE CRASH. INVESTIGATION REVEALED ACFT IMPACTED GROUND UPRIGHT WITH HIGH VERTICAL DESCENT RATE. NO MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE FOUND IN ACFT STRUCTURE, POWER PLANT OR SYSTEMS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9659P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9659P-2013-04-24), registration cancelled 2013-04-24, S/N 18-7509003, built 1975 (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: 18-7509003
- Airframe hours: 600
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Star Steep Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1984, 14 hours before
- Departed: IMLAY, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 270 total, 20 in this make and model, 232 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 90 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: WNC, 16 nm away

## Other investigations on N9659P (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 OAK77DVG05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77DVG05), Oct 20, 1976: Piper PA-18 (N9659P), Etna, 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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