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NTSB Report
April 16, 1986 · Piper PA-18-150 · N82182
Colusa, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 16, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Colusa, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N82182
Operator
Union Flights
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA181
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE ON A PIPELINE AERIAL OBSERVATION FLIGHT HE ENCOUNTERED MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBULENCE, SNOW SHOWERS AND FREEZING RAIN. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPART THE AREA THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND VIBRATE TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY FURTHER TURNS WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO STALL. THE PILOT ELECTED TO NEGOTIATE A 'PRECAUTIONARY LANDING' IN AN OPEN AREA AND WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE. THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTIONS AND/OR FAILURES.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE ON A PIPELINE AERIAL OBSERVATION FLIGHT HE ENCOUNTERED MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBULENCE, SNOW SHOWERS AND FREEZING RAIN. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPART THE AREA THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND VIBRATE TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY FURTHER TURNS WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO STALL. THE PILOT ELECTED TO NEGOTIATE A 'PRECAUTIONARY LANDING' IN AN OPEN AREA AND WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE. THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTIONS AND/OR FAILURES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN82182
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUnion Flights
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 12 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO