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Pilot Reports Minor Injuries After Engine Failure Over Lake (N4157R)

Hot Springs, AR, US

On October 4, 2007, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4157R) operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Hot Springs, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power due to inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot resulting in fuel starvation while maneuvering over a lake at too low altitude for a safe landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A forced landing on a lake resulted in substantial damage after a total loss of engine power. Post-accident examination found no fuel in the left tank and a water-fuel mixture in the right tank.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported minor injuries after executing a forced landing on a lake following a total loss of engine power at an altitude of 300-500 feet above ground level. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing.

Fuel System Examination

Post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank contained a mixture of water and fuel. The fuel selector was positioned to the left tank. No fuel was found in the gascolator.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane's rudder was observed to be "folded" over. The extent of damage was classified as substantial.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that the loss of engine power occurred while maneuvering over the lake. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the forced landing.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 2007 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Hot Springs, AR?

A forced landing on a lake resulted in substantial damage after a total loss of engine power. Post-accident examination found no fuel in the left tank and a water-fuel mixture in the right tank.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Oct 2007 Piper PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 2007 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N4157R, operated by Pilot, at Hot Springs, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total loss of engine power due to inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot resulting in fuel starvation while maneuvering over a lake at too low altitude for a safe landing. An additional cause was the unsuitable terrain encountered during landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080103X00012. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.