# NTSB SEA98LA150: Piper PA-18, N1252C, Columbus, MT, July 26, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 26, 1998, 09:15 local (15:15 UTC) - Place: Columbus, MT - Location: 45.6360° N, 109.2488° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Columbus, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6360&lon=-109.2488&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report April 6, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43231 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA150 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43231/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA150 ## Probable cause Partial loss of power for undetermined reasons. Factors include the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, maneuvering - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Nose over, landing - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot stated that the engine was running rough, and he elected to make an off-field precautionary landing. He stated that he had checked the carburetor heat and magnetos, and had pumped the throttle; however, his measures were insufficient to improve the situation. He elected to make his precautionary landing in a hayfield; braking for the short field and obstructions resulted in the airplane nosing over. FAA inspectors inspected the airplane and engine after it was removed from the accident scene and found no evidence of a mechanical problem that could have resulted in a rough-running engine. ## Factual narrative On July 26, 1998, approximately 0915 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18, N1252C, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over in a field during a precautionary landing south of Columbus, Montana, after the pilot noted that the engine was running roughly. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which had originated at Laurel, Montana about 0830. There was no report of an ELT actuating. The pilot stated that the engine was running rough, and he elected to make an off-field precautionary landing. He stated that he had checked the carburetor heat and magnetos, and had pumped the throttle; however, his measures were insufficient to improve the situation. He elected to make a precautionary landing in a hayfield; braking for the short field and obstructions resulted in the airplane nosing over. FAA inspectors inspected the airplane and engine after it was removed from the accident scene and found no evidence of a mechanical problem that could have resulted in a rough-running engine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1252C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1252C), registered now, S/N 18-2491, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18 - Registry model: [Piper PA-18A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a) (registry code 7101804) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-2491 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Northern Skies Aviation - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility - Departed: LAUREL, MT ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 226 total, 121 in this make and model, 16 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 6 knots - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °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 19980726024839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980726024839A), Jul 26, 1998: Piper PA18A, Columbus, MT, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot stated that the engine was running rough, and he elected to make an off-field precautionary landing. He stated that he had checked the carburetor… ## Other investigations on N1252C (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 SEA95LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA123), Jun 18, 1995: Piper PA-18A (N1252C), Laurel, MT, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS TALL VEGETATION. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.