Preliminary information
On September 17, 2026, about 0710 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA18-150 airplane, N3879Z, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Karinen, South Dakota. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to preliminary information obtained by responding FAA inspectors, the airplane impacted a field between two water tanks that the pilot checked every morning via aerial observation.
Due to injuries, the pilot has not been able to provide additional information, and the time of the accident was approximated.
The closest aviation reporting site, located about 24 nautical miles to the northeast, and about the estimated time of the accident, reported visibility less than 1/4 mile with moderate fog and an overcast ceiling at 200 ft.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 17, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Karinen, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N3879Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.