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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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October 18, 1987 · Piper PA-18 · N4193Z

Homer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 18, 1987
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Homer, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N4193Z
Operator
James W Landes
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC88FA011

THE WEATHER BETWEEN HOMER AND ANCHORAGE INCLUDED MARGINAL CONDITIONS ALONG SEGMENTS OF THE ROUTE. THE AIRLINE TRANSPORT RATED PILOT WAS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN OFFER TO TRAVEL BY AUTOMOBILE AND STILL ARRIVE IN TIME FOR A COMMITMENT IN ANCHORAGE. HE DECLINED AND DEPARTED HOMER WITH HIS WIFE AND INFANT CHILD IN HIS AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ABOUT 17 MILES FROM THE VOR. THE WX AT THE SCENE WAS REPORTED BY PLTS ALERTED TO THE ACC BY THE ELT. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE INDICATED A SPIN TYPE MANEUVER WITH MINIMAL ROTATION AT IMPACT. NO PRE-IMPACT DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED. THERE WAS FUEL IN THE RT TANK AND THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS ON THIS TANK.

Full Narrative

THE WEATHER BETWEEN HOMER AND ANCHORAGE INCLUDED MARGINAL CONDITIONS ALONG SEGMENTS OF THE ROUTE. THE AIRLINE TRANSPORT RATED PILOT WAS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN OFFER TO TRAVEL BY AUTOMOBILE AND STILL ARRIVE IN TIME FOR A COMMITMENT IN ANCHORAGE. HE DECLINED AND DEPARTED HOMER WITH HIS WIFE AND INFANT CHILD IN HIS AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ABOUT 17 MILES FROM THE VOR. THE WX AT THE SCENE WAS REPORTED BY PLTS ALERTED TO THE ACC BY THE ELT. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE INDICATED A SPIN TYPE MANEUVER WITH MINIMAL ROTATION AT IMPACT. NO PRE-IMPACT DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED. THERE WAS FUEL IN THE RT TANK AND THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS ON THIS TANK.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 AKDT
Nearest AirportHOMER (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN4193Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames W Landes
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 11 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data