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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 5, 1998 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4158Z

Berkley, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 5, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Berkley, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4158Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC98LA089

The pilot stated that the airplane's engine began to lose power and sputter, while in cruise flight. He said the application of carburetor heat had no effect, so he landed in a grass field. During rollout, at a speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour, the airplane entered a furrow between two fields and nosed over. Fuel was sampled from both tanks and the gascolater, and found to be clear. The carburetor was secure, and the venturi and bleed tube were in place. A carburetor Airworthiness Directive had been accomplished during the last annual inspection. Also, a post-accident engine test run was completed, an no abnormal indications were noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent nose-over on uneven terrain. Uneven terrain (furrow) in the forced landing area was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On April 5, 1998, about 1500 Eastern Standard Time, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N4158Z, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field near Berkley, Massachusetts. Neither the certificated private pilot nor the passenger were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan had been filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, the pilot stated that the airplane's engine began to lose power and sputtered while in cruise flight. The application of carburetor heat had no effect, so the pilot landed in a grass field, into the wind. During rollout, at a speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour, the airplane entered a furrow between two fields and nosed over. The Inspector also noted that the airplane "was equipped with tundra tires and disc brakes positioned on the front of the brake assemblies as opposed to the rear as most commonly observed." Damage occurred to the fuselage, vertical fin, propeller and both wings. Fuel was sampled from both tanks and the gascolater, and found to be clear. The carburetor was secure, and the venturi and bleed tube were in place. A carburetor Airworthiness Directive had been accomplished during the last annual inspection. A post-accident engine test run was completed, with normal indications. The passenger, also a pilot, stated he was not flying the airplane at the time of the accident, but had flown it from Kentucky to Massachusetts several days earlier. During that flight he had experienced the same engine problem, but resolved it with the application of carburetor heat. The pilot, seated in the front seat, held a Private Pilot certificate and had approximately 350 hours of flight time. The passenger, seated in the back seat, held Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates, and had approximately 7,000 hours of flight time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4158Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data