Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18A 150 near New Smyrna Beach, FL — 2026-08-27

Investigation ongoingERA26LA316
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Date
2026-08-27
Location
New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18A 150
Registration
N2368P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On August 27, 2026, about 1051 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18A 150, N2368P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 banner tow flight. According to the pilot, he conducted a normal preflight inspection in preparation for banner towing operations. During the inspection, he noted that the engine oil quantity was one quart low. He added one quart of oil and completed the remainder of the preflight inspection. The pilot confirmed that the fuel tanks were full and reported no other anomalies. After takeoff, the pilot completed a successful banner pickup. He reported climbing to approximately 1,000 ft before reaching the shoreline. As the airplane crossed the shoreline, the pilot turned north and initiated a descent. While descending through about 600 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot began adding engine power to level off at 500 ft agl. When he advanced the throttle, he heard a loud pop, followed by a total loss of engine power. While maintaining control of the airplane, the pilot determined that the beach was too crowded to safely conduct a forced landing. He elected to perform a forced landing to the water instead. The airplane touched down on the water and subsequently nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Enroute-cruise
  • Engine Failure Enroute
View NTSB preliminary report

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