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Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18

72 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-18. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19642026

Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18 per year, 1964–2026: 72 cases
1964	7
1965	6
1966	4
1967	2
1968	4
1969	2
1970	4
1971	4
1972	1
1973	1
1974	3
1975	3
1976	3
1977	1
1978	3
1979	1
1980	3
1981	1
1982	2
1984	1
1985	2
1987	1
1988	1
1990	2
1991	1
1994	3
1995	1
1997	1
2001	1
2008	2
2022	1

Where

Latest cases

Query with SQL

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101802')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
  WHERE c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101802'))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101802'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.

NTSB ANC23FA004Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Chickaloon, AKThe pilot's decision to fly at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with a cable.Nov 10, 2022 · N7123K · Substantial damage NTSB ANC08LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to preclude a stall while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.Sep 11, 2008 · N7174K · Substantial damage NTSB ANC08FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Quinhagak, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude in high winds, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent to the ground. Contributing to the accident were the high winds.Jun 7, 2008 · N897SP · Destroyed NTSB SEA02FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Sandy, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees while attempting to land in a field after entering an area of instrument meteorological conditions. Factors include low ceilings, rain, fog, strong winds, mountainous/hilly terrain, the pilot's…Oct 16, 2001 · N7502K · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97LA197Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Middleville, MIfuel contamination, due to improper servicing of the aircraft; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The pilot's failure to ensure a proper…Jul 6, 1997 · N183DP · Destroyed NTSB MIA95GA178Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper L-21A · Lorida, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while his attention was diverted.Jul 10, 1995 · N5425V · Substantial damage NTSB MIA95FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Bainbridge, GAInadvertent stall/spin and altitude inadequate for recovery by the pilot-in-command (CFI).Nov 18, 1994 · N5418H · Destroyed NTSB ANC94FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Gulkana, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.Sep 5, 1994 · N7867D · Substantial damage NTSB CHI94LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Terre Haute, INthe pilot-in-command's inadvertant stall of the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the elevator trim position.Jun 19, 1994 · N81TW · Destroyed NTSB NYC91FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Hancock Village, NYThe loss of aircraft control and subsequent collision with trees after the pilot became physically incapacitated.Apr 28, 1991 · N102LW · Destroyed NTSB ATL90FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Southport, NCThe entry into a flat spin which precluded recovery by the pilot. The reason for the spin becoming flat could not be determined.Aug 2, 1990 · N9239T · Destroyed NTSB DEN90FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Laurel, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain proper clearance from other objects wwhile maneuvering.Jun 22, 1990 · N9926D · Destroyed NTSB ANC88DAG05Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Mcgrath, AKThe airplane crashed approximately 94 miles east of the city of Mcgrath, Alaska. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured and the Piper PA-18 airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane impacted ground in a near vertical attitude near the end of a…Jul 4, 1988 · N1556P · Substantial damage NTSB MKC87FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Venango, NEA witness saw the airplane fly over his property from the north to the south and he waved to the pilots. The airplane then came back toward the north at a low altitude and when the witness heard the power being applied, the left wing dropped and almost…Feb 22, 1987 · N9498D · Destroyed NTSB ANC85LA159Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Gulkana, AKThe acft crashed shortly after the plt had departed an airstrip to proceed on a hunting trip. Impact occurred in a wooded area about 1 mi from the strip. According to witnesses, the plt had made 2 low approaches over the trees before the acdnt. The acft was…Aug 22, 1985 · N625SW · Destroyed NTSB ANC85LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Mccarthy, AKThe pilot-in-command was departing from a 600 foot long airstrip at a 3400 foot field elevation. The takeoff run was downslope and the pilot had to pull the airplane off the ground by use of the control stick and the application of full flaps, the 40 degree…Jul 19, 1985 · N1109A · Destroyed NTSB DEN84FA278Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Meadow Lake, NMAccording to witnesses, the plt make a x-wind apch for a landing from west to east in winds that were from the south at 10 to 12 mph. Reportedly the acft touched down with the right wing high, then the plt applied power & initiated a go-around at about…Sep 16, 1984 · N5895D · Destroyed NTSB SEA82FYM17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Yamhill, ORDuring takeoff the aircraft veered off the right side of runway 8 and collided with a split rail fence. The aircraft then crossed a gravel road and struck a wire cattle fence catching on fire within seconds after coming to a stop. The winds were out of the…Jun 1, 1982 · N7525K · Destroyed NTSB ANC82DAG28Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Kenai, AKPilot was giving passengers rides along bishop creek. He was reported as flying low and erratic. On the last flight with two passengers, the wing dipped & caught the water. The acft then cartwheeled. The plt's blood alcohol level was 196 mg%.May 30, 1982 · N9089D · Destroyed NTSB LAX81FA095Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Holtville, CAMay 31, 1981 · N4711A · Destroyed NTSB ANC80FA102Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Anchorage, AKSep 21, 1980 · N21AA · Destroyed NTSB NYC80FA075Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Exeter, RIAug 22, 1980 · N9863D · Substantial damage NTSB NYC80FA021Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · East Machias, MEJan 22, 1980 · N3580Z · Destroyed NTSB MKC79FA029Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Oelrichs, SDMay 19, 1979 · N240T · Destroyed NTSB ANC79FA016Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Copper Center, AKNov 5, 1978 · N7166B · Substantial damage NTSB MKC78FTK20Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Naples, SDJun 5, 1978 · N2799P · Substantial damage NTSB FTW78FA049Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Greenfield, OKMay 30, 1978 · N5428H · Destroyed NTSB MIA77FA065Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA18 · Foley, ALJun 26, 1977 · N9578D · Destroyed NTSB MKC76DCJ58Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Abie, NEAug 5, 1976 · N9103D · Destroyed NTSB CHI76AC068Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18A · Belvidere, ILJun 12, 1976 · N1587A · Destroyed NTSB DEN76AD031Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Colony, WYFeb 14, 1976 · N1636A · Destroyed NTSB MKC76AK019Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Hayes, SDSep 5, 1975 · N5487H · Destroyed NTSB IAD76FLJ06Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18A · Kinston, NCAug 12, 1975 · N3696A · Destroyed NTSB MKC75AK059Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Elizabeth, MNJun 2, 1975 · N5463H · Destroyed NTSB DEN75AD014Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Corona, NMSep 16, 1974 · N1585P · Destroyed NTSB MKC75FCD10Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Paton, IAAug 21, 1974 · N3390B · Destroyed NTSB ANC74AA075Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Palmer, AKMay 23, 1974 · N4727A · Substantial damage NTSB SEA74AS001Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Metolius, ORJul 15, 1973 · N1758P · Destroyed NTSB FTW73FRJ09Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Mangham, LAAug 11, 1972 · N9490D · Destroyed NTSB MKC72AK019Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Seneca, NESep 18, 1971 · N7166K · Destroyed NTSB FTW72AF011Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Broken Bow, OKAug 21, 1971 · N9571D · Destroyed NTSB NYC72AN014Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Essex, NYJul 29, 1971 · N16689 · Destroyed NTSB FTW71DPA25Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-24 · Baborigane, MexicoMar 14, 1971 · N9104D · Destroyed NTSB MIA71AM037Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18S · Demopolis, ALOct 27, 1970 · N118T · Destroyed NTSB MKC71AK008Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Merriman, NEAug 9, 1970 · N9060D · Destroyed NTSB ANC71AA008Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Barter Isle, AKJul 27, 1970 · N722 · Destroyed NTSB MKC70FDD16Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Lehr, NDJun 19, 1970 · N3281Z · Destroyed NTSB ANC70A0017Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Iliamna, AKAug 25, 1969 · N7226K · Destroyed NTSB CHI70A0001Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Lagrange, KYJul 3, 1969 · N5976Z · Destroyed NTSB MIA69F0267Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18A · Sandersville, GAAug 17, 1968 · N6970B · Destroyed