N2124N

Substantial
None

Piper PA-18S/N: 18-259

Accident Details

Date
Friday, March 23, 2007
NTSB Number
SEA07CA085
Location
Tulare, CA
Event ID
20070427X00468
Coordinates
36.160556, -119.332496
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-259
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1951
Model / ICAO
PA-18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LIVESTOCK SERVICE INC
Address
2205 10TH ST
City
DOUGLAS
State / Zip Code
AZ 85607
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, the airplane was in cruise flight when the engine "suddenly ran rough, appeared to lose power, then ran rough again." The pilot applied carburetor heat and switched fuel tanks, but this had no significant effect. During the forced landing in tall grass in a barley field, the airplane nosed over. The airplane's vertical fin and rudder were bent, and the propeller was damaged. After the airplane was recovered to an airport, an FAA inspector started the engine and operated it at an idle power setting. The reason for the partial loss of engine power was not determined.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA07CA085