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 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.
Jun 25, 2000 EPHRATA, WA N6775B Incident substantial The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional 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.

Jan 10, 1999 TUCSON, AZ N8980D Incident substantial
The student pilot's inadvertent activation of the right heel brake on the conventional geared aircraft, which resulted in a loss of directional contro…

The student pilot's inadvertent activation of the right heel brake on the conventional geared aircraft, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing factor was inadequate supervision.

Aug 08, 1998 DILLINGHAM, AK N2FD Incident substantial The pilot's inadvertent ground loop during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident is a crosswind.
Oct 09, 1997 GULF OF MEXICO, N7198D Incident substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in a forced landing (ditching) at sea.
Sep 17, 1997 BAINBRIDGE, GA N3985P Incident substantial
the failure of the pilot to see and avoid the tractor resulting in an on ground collision. A factor in this accident was the limited forward visibili…

the failure of the pilot to see and avoid the tractor resulting in an on ground collision. A factor in this accident was the limited forward visibility from the cockpit of the airplane.

Apr 01, 1996 GRAND HAVEN, MI N454Q Incident substantial failure of the dual student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing, and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor.
Aug 17, 1995 SKWENTNA, AK N9067D Incident substantial
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A SHORT/UNEVEN LANDING AREA THAT REQUIRED EXC…

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A SHORT/UNEVEN LANDING AREA THAT REQUIRED EXCESSIVE BRAKING ACTION WHILE LANDING WITH A TAILWIND.

Jun 18, 1995 LAUREL, MT N1252C Incident substantial THE SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS TALL VEGETATION.
Apr 28, 1993 PALACIOS, TX N2880Z Incident substantial THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE HIDDEN CULVERT.
Aug 12, 1992 OCEAN CITY, NJ N9374D Incident substantial
THE AIRPLANE NOSING OVER ON LANDING ROLL DUE TO INADEQUATE AIRPLANE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS WHILE LANDING WITH THE BANNER ATTACHED. FACTORS RELATED …

THE AIRPLANE NOSING OVER ON LANDING ROLL DUE TO INADEQUATE AIRPLANE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS WHILE LANDING WITH THE BANNER ATTACHED. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE USE OF ROPE INSTEAD OF STEEL CABLE, THE MAIN LANDING GEAR MOUNTED TOW HITCH, AND THE CROSSWIND.

Jun 29, 1992 GLADE PARK, CO N1874A Incident substantial THE PILOT DELAYED INITIATION OF THE GO AROUND. A FACTOR WAS: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.
Feb 29, 1992 PAXSON, AK N3372B Incident substantial
THE PILOT FAILED TO ATTAIN & MAINTAIN TAKEOFF AIRSPEED. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: TAKEOFF WAS PERFORMED WITH A TAILWIND, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL A…

THE PILOT FAILED TO ATTAIN & MAINTAIN TAKEOFF AIRSPEED. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: TAKEOFF WAS PERFORMED WITH A TAILWIND, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION.

Sep 27, 1990 BIRCHWOOD, AK N9279D Incident substantial
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO CORRECTLY ANALYZE THE WIND AND ITS EFFECT ON THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LANDING; THEREBY FAILING TO MAINTAIN PROPER DIR…

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO CORRECTLY ANALYZE THE WIND AND ITS EFFECT ON THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LANDING; THEREBY FAILING TO MAINTAIN PROPER DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

Sep 17, 1990 MONTAGUE, CA N2894P Incident substantial
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE PERFORMIN…

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE PERFORMING LANDINGS.

Aug 26, 1990 NORTH PLAINS, OR N965CD Incident substantial THE PILOT'S FAILUE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM AN OBJECT NEAR THE RUNWAY.
May 20, 1990 CREVE COEUR, MO N9071D Incident substantial FUEL CONTAMINATION AND INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT.
Aug 18, 1989 COPPER CENTER, AK N3877P Incident substantial
THE SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING BY THE PILOT. HE SUBSEQUENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHEN HE IMPROPERLY APPLIED HARD BRAKING DUR…

THE SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING BY THE PILOT. HE SUBSEQUENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHEN HE IMPROPERLY APPLIED HARD BRAKING DURING A WHEEL LANDING.

Jun 14, 1989 EVA, OK N6873B Incident substantial THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LIMITED VISUAL PERCEPTION DUE TO THE GROUND VEHICLE.
Dec 23, 1988 SANDUSKY, OH N1176D Incident substantial Investigation pending
Nov 11, 1988 MURPHY, ID N8562C Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jul 26, 1987 ARANSAS PASS, TX N321AK Incident substantial Investigation pending
Sep 12, 1986 CASPER, WY N8595D Incident 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.
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