# NTSB SEA91LA145: Piper PA-18-150, N3474Z, Corvallis, OR, June 10, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1991, 18:30 local (Jun 10, 1991, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Corvallis, OR
- Coordinates: 44.459033, -123.339134 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4590&lon=-123.3391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41460
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA145
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41460/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA145

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DISPLAYED POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING.  A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS:  THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT NEAR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE GOT TOO CLOSE TO THE MOUNTAIN AND COULD NOT OUT CLIMB THE RISING TERRAIN.  THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3474Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3474Z-2012-04-17), registration cancelled 2012-04-17, S/N 18-7301, built 1960 (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: 18-7301
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George G. Urbach
- Registered owner: George G. Urbach
- Departed: NONE, ALPINE, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,250 total, 600 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910609025829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910609025829A), Jun 9, 1991: Piper PA18150, Corvallis, OR, Destroyed. Flew too low in rising terrain. Was unable to outclimb terrain. Struck trees on mountainside. Aircraft burned.

## Other investigations on N3474Z (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 SEA76ATI15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA76ATI15), Mar 2, 1976: Piper PA-18 (N3474Z), Big Timber, MT, 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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