Piper PA-18A Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 108 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

108

All Events

62

Incidents

17

Minor

14

Serious

15

Fatal (20 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Mar 19, 2011 Hollywood, FL N9692D Incident substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Mar 19, 2011 Beluga Lake, AK N3573P Incident substantial The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain, resulting in the airplane nosing over.
Mar 04, 2009 Wood Lake, NE N3352B Serious (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Jul 10, 2008 Camarillo, CA N7471D Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Nov 24, 2007 Yelm, WA N3250B Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing roll. Contributing factors were the rough/uneve…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing roll. Contributing factors were the rough/uneven terrain and log.

Jun 15, 2006 Lawrenceville, IL N9779D Incident substantial
The visual separation from the glider attempted by the tow pilot and traffic advisories from the glider not received by the tow pilot. The airport si…

The visual separation from the glider attempted by the tow pilot and traffic advisories from the glider not received by the tow pilot. The airport sign/marker was a contributing factor.

Mar 04, 2006 Shady Cove, OR N1984A Incident substantial
The pilot's improper installation of the control stick during maintenance, which resulted in the control stick becoming disconnected during the initia…

The pilot's improper installation of the control stick during maintenance, which resulted in the control stick becoming disconnected during the initial takeoff climb, resulting in a loss of control and in-flight collision with the ground.

Aug 17, 2005 Cedaredge, CO N7172K Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning. Contributing to the accident was the wind shift, result…

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning. Contributing to the accident was the wind shift, resultant tailwind, and the inadvertent stall.

Jun 08, 2005 Griffin, GA N8680D Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight preparatio…

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation which failed to verify the fuel amount.

Jun 08, 2004 Trego, MT N7094D Minor destroyed Failure to maintain clearance from trees during the initial climb.
Jul 15, 2003 Zurich, MT N6792B Serious (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
Jun 12, 2003 Laurel, MT N5779D Incident substantial Aircraft control was not maintained during the landing roll. The aircraft subsequently nosed over.
May 03, 2003 Roanoke, TX N9789D Minor substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A contributing factor was t…

The flight instructor's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Apr 01, 2003 Newcastle, WY N6883B Serious (2) substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Contributing factors include inadequate in-flight planning and decision making by the pilo…

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Contributing factors include inadequate in-flight planning and decision making by the pilot, and the ground.

Dec 30, 2002 Blairstown, NJ N6780B Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Oct 02, 2002 Garden City, KS N3279Z Fatal (1) destroyed
The inadequate preflight planning/preparation and visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions by the pilot. The clouds, mist…

The inadequate preflight planning/preparation and visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions by the pilot. The clouds, mist, and night conditions were contributing factors.

Sep 14, 2002 Tucson, AZ N8980D Fatal (2) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall spin.
Aug 05, 2002 Chickaloon, AK N9255D Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane impacting rough terrain. A factor contributing to the acciden…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane impacting rough terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the rough/uneven terrain condition.

Jun 03, 2002 Thomaston, GA N8680D Incident substantial Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control on landing, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop.
Mar 30, 2001 Niceville, FL N7471D Serious (1) destroyed A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Oct 26, 2000 AKHIOK, AK N8162C Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and inadequate evaluation of weather conditions. Factors in the accident were a tailwind, and …

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and inadequate evaluation of weather conditions. Factors in the accident were a tailwind, and a short runway/landing area.

Aug 20, 2000 NORTH PLAINS, OR N6985D Minor substantial
The pilot's excessive use of brakes. Contributing factors were the pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed (landing long and fast) and lack of experien…

The pilot's excessive use of brakes. Contributing factors were the pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed (landing long and fast) and lack of experience in the make/model of aircraft.

Jun 25, 2000 EPHRATA, WA N6775B Incident substantial The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll.
Jan 22, 2000 SAND SPRINGS, OK N1290C Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing roll.
Jul 25, 1999 JORDAN VALLEY, OR N3992P Incident substantial
The pilot's inadvertent stall/mush of the aircraft while attempting a forced landing due to partial power loss of the engine. Factors include carburet…

The pilot's inadvertent stall/mush of the aircraft while attempting a forced landing due to partial power loss of the engine. Factors include carburetor icing conditions and the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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