Casualties unknown

Piper PA-18-150 Inverts During Forced Landing after Engine Power Loss in Louisiana (N4423Z)

Grand Chenier, LA, US

On August 30, 1989, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4423Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Chenier, LA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

On August 30, 1989, a Piper PA-18-150 (N4423Z) conducting an aerial survey for the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission flipped inverted during a forced landing after losing engine power. Neither the private pilot nor passenger was injured.

Accident Overview

On August 30, 1989, at 1225 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150 airplane, registration N4423Z, experienced a loss of engine power during a local aerial survey flight. The pilot executed a forced landing approximately 15 miles east-northeast of Grand Chenier, Louisiana. During the landing, the aircraft flipped forward to an inverted position. The airplane was being operated by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission as a public aircraft under 14 CFR Part 91.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The aircraft was a Piper PA-18-150. It had departed the Nunez, Louisiana, airstrip (L12) at 1210 CDT on the same day for the local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot held a private pilot certificate and was accompanied by a passenger.

Events Leading to the Accident

Following a loss of engine power, the pilot initiated a forced landing. The airplane subsequently flipped forward and came to rest inverted. The exact cause of the engine power loss was not specified in the source.

Damage and Injuries

The airplane sustained substantial damage. Neither the private pilot nor the passenger reported any injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29119. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.