Piper PA-18-150 accident near Ethel, LA
On September 13, 1997, a Piper PA-18-150 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Ethel, LA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- September 13, 1997
- Place
- Ethel, LA
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-18-150 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 1 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 30.440°N, 91.451°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X08830
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On September 13, 1997, at 0220 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150 tailwheel equipped airplane, N14255, owned by J. T. Howell and Son LLC, of Jackson, Louisiana, and flown by a private individual, struck trees while maneuvering near Ethel, Louisiana. The non certificated pilot received fatal injuries, the passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed from a private unlit sod airstrip near Jackson, Louisiana, approximately 20 minutes before the accident. During a personal interview, conducted by the IIC, and on the enclosed statement, the passenger reported that the pilot was maneuvering the airplane around a friend's house. The passenger stated that it was during the second turn around that the airplane hit the trees and descended to the ground. The passenger was seated in the aft seat. During personal interviews, conducted by the IIC and on the enclosed statement, the friend whose house the pilot circled, reported that he talked to the pilot earlier in the day and again about 2145. This friend confirmed that the pilot was going to work cattle until about 1900, then go to the another friend's house for dinner, and then go hunting for hog. During personal interviews, conducted by the IIC, the owner of the house stated that his son and the pilot were close friends; however, his son was not home at the time of the accident. Between 0130 and 0230 the land owner heard what he thought was his son c
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance. Related factors were the pilot's impairment due to alcohol and night conditions.
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Browse: Louisiana · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
