Piper PA-18-150 accident near Belle Fourche, SD
On February 6, 1999, a Piper PA-18-150 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Belle Fourche, SD. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- February 6, 1999
- Place
- Belle Fourche, SD
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-18-150 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 44.660°N, 103.850°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001205X00125
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On February 6, 1999, at 1415 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, N8075D, piloted by private pilot/mechanic, was destroyed on impact with terrain following a total loss of engine power during initial climb from a private airstrip near Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The local flight originated from the private airstrip at 1415. A witness located at the private airstrip stated that the pilot moved the aircraft out of a hanger, completed a preflight inspection and idled the engine on the ground for 8-10 minutes. The aircraft departed without the use of flaps, rolled about 1/2 down the runway and then climbed "OK" to an altitude of 500-600 feet agl when the engine stopped. He added that there were no unusual sounds. The aircraft then descended vertically. A respondent to the accident reported that there was not an overwhelming smell of fuel. Another respondent reported a little smell of fuel but did not feel any sloshing of fuel when the aircraft's wings were turned over. He added that there was no puddling of fuel beneath the wings. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 23, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating. He also held a certified aircraft mechanic with airframe and powerplant ratings. The pilot reported a total flight time of 175 hours at the issuance of his a third class medical certificate on June 4, 1998. The passenger, age 53, had
Probable cause
inadequate preflight planning/preparation, refueling not performed, and aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. The inadvertent stall by the pilot was an additional cause. Fuel exhaustion was a contributing factor.
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Browse: South Dakota · 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.
