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NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18A, AK

58 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-18A. 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

19652026

NTSB investigations: Piper PA-18A, AK per year, 1965–2026: 58 cases
1965	2
1967	1
1968	2
1970	2
1971	1
1972	5
1974	2
1975	2
1976	3
1978	2
1979	3
1981	2
1983	1
1984	1
1986	2
1987	2
1990	1
1992	1
1993	1
1996	4
1999	1
2000	1
2002	2
2006	1
2007	1
2011	2
2012	2
2013	2
2014	1
2015	1
2016	1
2019	1
2020	1
2021	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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101804', '7102831')) 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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'AK' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101804', '7102831'))
  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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101804', '7102831'))
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 ANC21FA028Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Anchorage, AKA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Mar 29, 2021 · N1968P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC20CA041Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18A · Chickaloon, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which necessitated a go-around, and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain.Apr 7, 2020 · N2791P · Substantial damage NTSB GAA19CA132Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18A · McGrath, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the landing gear collapsing.Jan 28, 2019 · N8170C · Substantial damage NTSB GAA17CA027Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Palmer, AKThe airplane's encounter with a depression while the pilot applied excessive braking during the landing roll on a grass airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.Oct 14, 2016 · N2791P · Substantial damage NTSB GAA16CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18A · Girdwood, AKFuel contamination resulting in the loss of engine power, a forced landing on a highway, and subsequent right wing impact with highway signage.Dec 21, 2015 · N2791P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC14CA018Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18 · Tanana, AKThe passenger inadvertently interfered with the rudder control pedal, which resulted in a loss of directional control during takeoff.Mar 8, 2014 · N8281C · Substantial damage NTSB ANC13CA083Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.Aug 24, 2013 · N3599A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC13CA045Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Nikiski, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, resulting in contact with terrain, and a ground loop.May 13, 2013 · N2496P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC12CA034Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Palmer, AKThe student pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed during a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Apr 30, 2012 · N8976D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC12FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Sleetmute, AKOperation of the airplane by a non-certificated pilot and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Mar 31, 2012 · N7276D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC11CA053Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18A · McCarthy, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taxiing in gusty wind conditions.Jun 15, 2011 · N1858A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC11CA035Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Coldfoot, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taxiing in gusty wind conditions.May 20, 2011 · N9279D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC07CA042Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's delay in aborting the landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.Jun 1, 2007 · N6760B · Substantial damage NTSB ANC06CA128Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Aniak, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a loss of control and in-flight collision with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was a windshear.Sep 1, 2006 · N1858A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC02LA085Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Port Alsworth, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over. A factor associated with the accident was a wind gust.Jul 29, 2002 · N8995D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC02LA055Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor associated with the accident is a ditch adjacent to the runway.Jun 19, 2002 · N1858A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC00LA131Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's application of excessive braking. A factor in the accident was the installation of boosted (oversize) type master brake cylinders.Sep 15, 2000 · N6760B · Substantial damage NTSB ANC99LA053Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were a crosswind, and an inadvertent ground loop.Apr 15, 1999 · N7696D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC96LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Slana, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. A factor associated with the accident was the rough and uneven terrain.Aug 16, 1996 · N6760B · Substantial damage NTSB ANC96LA124Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Skwentna, AKAn engine failure due to an eroded engine piston. Factors in the accident were unsuitable terrain for a forced landing and improperly timed magnetos.Aug 14, 1996 · N7797B · Substantial damage NTSB ANC96LA116Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Tyonek, AKThe pilot's improper approach to landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around.Aug 4, 1996 · N8995D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC96LA170Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's selection of an unsuitable site for landing. A factor associated with the accident is the snow-covered terrain.Jan 22, 1996 · N7797B · Substantial damage NTSB ANC93FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A-150 · Sanona Creek, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during a downwind turn for landing. Factors contributing to the accident were: the overweight condition of the airplane, and failure to assure that the airplane complied with all applicable airworthiness…Sep 2, 1993 · N4713A · Destroyed NTSB ANC92LA171Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Totatlanika Rvr, AKThe pilot's poor inflight planning/decision in evaluating and selecting unsuitable terrain for the landing area. Factors contributing to the accident were: snow covered terrain, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in this type of operation.Sep 15, 1992 · N1148A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC90FA187Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Birchwood, AKThe pilot-in-command's failure to correctly analyze the wind and its effect on the airplane during the landing; thereby failing to maintain proper directional control.Sep 27, 1990 · N9279D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC87LA119Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot stated that during a right turn on approach the aircraft stalled and crashed into the river.Aug 11, 1987 · N7561D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC87LA103Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Palmer, AKAfter several passes ovr the airstrip the plt set up to lnd on the 600 ft long dirt rwy located on a mtn ridge. He stated that on final he lost sight of the strip and elected not to land. The acft was unable to outclimb the rising terrain.Jul 20, 1987 · N9131D · Substantial damage NTSB SEA87LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Petersburg, AKThe plt reported that while landing on a river the acft skidded on river silt. He stated he could not stop the acft which traveled to the FAR end of the river into 8 inch deep water where it nosed over.Oct 8, 1986 · N6191D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC86LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Stoney River, AKAccording to a witness, a certificated pilot, a crowd had gathered to wave, watch the takeoff and take photographs. The airplane began its takeoff roll about mid point on the airstrip and rolled 120 feet before lifting off. The airplane climbed steeply and…Jul 12, 1986 · N1825A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC84LA033Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Anchorage, AKThe plt stated that just prior to the eng failure, the left fuel tank 'was empty' and the right tank contained approximately 1/8 of a tank of fuel. The plt suspected fuel starvation.Jan 24, 1984 · N7286D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC83LA176Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Big Lake, AKThe acft collided with bushes at the departure end of the rwy. The pilot told the investigator that he attempted to takeoff from the grass strip but aborted at the last moment. He said he was unable to stop the acft before striking bushes at the departure end.Sep 17, 1983 · N7286D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC81DAG92Accident · Serious injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Anchorage, AKSep 27, 1981 · N4359A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC81DAG65Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18A · Canyon Creek, AKAug 9, 1981 · N6760B · Substantial damage NTSB ANC80DAG19Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Lachbuna Lake, AKDec 4, 1979 · N2854D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC79DAH17Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Farewell, AKAug 23, 1979 · N4737A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC79DAG90Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Anchorage, AKAug 7, 1979 · N7186D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC78DAH20Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Palmer, AKSep 8, 1978 · N1752A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC78DAG25Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Eureka, AKFeb 17, 1978 · N1793A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76DAH86Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Chitina, AKSep 24, 1976 · N7286D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76DAH55Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Kodiak, AKAug 9, 1976 · N2496P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76DAA36Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Healy, AKMay 22, 1976 · N1856A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76DAG45Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Mcgrath, AKSep 22, 1975 · N7186D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76DAG10Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Whittier, AKJul 7, 1975 · N2891P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC75DAG31Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Glennallen, AKSep 4, 1974 · N1987A · Substantial damage NTSB ANC74DAH21Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18A · Homer, AKJun 15, 1974 · N2496P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC73AAO32Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-18A · Portage, AKNov 4, 1972 · N7287D · Destroyed NTSB ANC73AA025Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-18 · Iliamna, AKOct 7, 1972 · N2263A · Destroyed NTSB ANC73DAA10Accident · Serious injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AKSep 4, 1972 · N7561D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC73DAG28Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18A · Skwentna, AKSep 2, 1972 · N2666P · Substantial damage NTSB ANC72DAA36Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-18 · Clear, AKJun 10, 1972 · N8091D · Substantial damage