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
Aug 24, 2017 Tyonek, AK N1905A Fatal (1) destroyed
The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night, marginal visual flight rules to instrument flight r…

The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night, marginal visual flight rules to instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.

Aug 31, 2013 Nikolai, AK N4581A Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot’s improper decision to load the airplane beyond its allowable takeoff weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in a loss of contr…

The pilot’s improper decision to load the airplane beyond its allowable takeoff weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the external load and the downwind takeoff.

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.
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.

Feb 15, 1997 LIVINGSTON, CA N8487D Fatal (1) destroyed the pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines. A factor was the pilot's poor judgment in conducting unwarranted low altitude maneuvering.
Sep 03, 1995 EGG HARBOR, NJ N9374D Fatal (1) destroyed
Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during pull-up from a banner pickup, which resulted in a stall and collision with trees before reco…

Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during pull-up from a banner pickup, which resulted in a stall and collision with trees before recovering from the stall.

Aug 21, 1995 ANCHORAGE, AK N7262D Fatal (1) destroyed
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE OR ALTITUDE FROM THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, WHILE MANEUVERIN…

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE OR ALTITUDE FROM THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, WHILE MANEUVERING NEAR AN AIRSTRIP.

Jul 02, 1994 LOWELL, ID N8565D Fatal (2) destroyed THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED.
Sep 02, 1993 SANONA CREEK, AK N4713A Fatal (2) destroyed
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED DURING A DOWNWIND TURN FOR LANDING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE OVERWEIGHT CONDITION O…

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED DURING A DOWNWIND TURN FOR LANDING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE OVERWEIGHT CONDITION OF THE AIRPLANE, AND FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT THE AIRPLANE COMPLIED WITH ALL APPLICABLE AIRWORTHINESS REGULATIONS.

Jul 28, 1990 CONWAY, SC N2789P Fatal (1) destroyed
TOWLINE INTERFERENCE WITH THE RUDDER, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/SPINN. A FACTOR THAT CONTRIBU…

TOWLINE INTERFERENCE WITH THE RUDDER, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/SPINN. A FACTOR THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: FAILURE OF THE COMPANY/OPERATOR MANAGEMENT TO ADEQUATELY GUARD AGAINST SUCH INTERFERENCE.

Jul 04, 1988 MCGRATH, AK N1556P Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 06, 1987 COLDFOOT, AK N7479D Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 12, 1983 COLLEGEVILLE, PA N783L Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 08, 1982 SANDERSON, TX N2887Z Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
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.
← Piper PA-18A For Sale All Piper Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 2 Piper PA-18A for sale ↓