CHARLESTOWN, NH, USA
N1927A
PIPER PA-18A
On June 22, 2022, at 1007 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18A, N1927A, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Charlestown, New Hampshire. The airline transport pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot departed Hartness State Airport (VSF) Springfield, Vermont, about 1000 and preceded east towards the Connecticut River, and Charlestown, New Hampshire. The pilot stated he was flying low over the water, looking for a possible “future” floatplane landing site, then climbed “well before” the wires; however, after making the climb, he heard a “very loud bang” followed by a reduction in engine power and vibrations. The pilot was unable to regain engine power or maintain altitude and attempted to land in an open field adjacent to the river, but the airplane struck high tension powerlines and impacted the water. A witness located on a boat ramp 2 nautical miles south of the accident site stated that he observed the airplane as it passed overhead at 1003 and took out his phone to record it. The airplane flew south low over the water, between 10 and 20 ft. The airplane was banking and following the contour of the river until it disappeared out of view. Charlestown, New Hampshire dispatch reported that the 911 call for the accident was received at 1008. Examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the airframe. Initial examination of the engine revealed crankshaft continuity and suction and compression on each of the cylinders. The spark plugs revealed no visual discrepancy. The magnetos, while able to produce spark, had appreciable wear to the block finger electrodes and rotor electrode. The engine was retained for further examination.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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