# Piper J-3C

- Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry)
- Registry code: 7100503
- Manufacturer (registry): PIPER
- Model: J-3C
- Aircraft type: Fixed wing single engine
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: 1 · Reciprocating
- Seats: 2
- Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb
- Cruise speed: 54 mph
- Certification: Type certificated
- Registered aircraft: 56
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j-3c

Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs)

Matched to this model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

None matched.

## Registered aircraft (56, first 50)

- [N1456N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1456N): [Gentile Anthony](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GENTILE%20ANTHONY), [Madison, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Madison), S/N 22990
- [N1578N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1578N): [Thibodeaux David J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/THIBODEAUX%20DAVID%20J), [Anna, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Anna), S/N 23110
- [N2179J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2179J): [Swanson Michael A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SWANSON%20MICHAEL%20A), [Salisbury, CT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CT/Salisbury), built 1957, S/N 20968
- [N30932](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N30932): [Lowman Patrick D](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LOWMAN%20PATRICK%20D), [Sherrills Ford, NC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NC/Sherrills%20Ford), built 1940, S/N 5216
- [N32954](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N32954): [Semmig Jeffrey C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SEMMIG%20JEFFREY%20C), [Oceanside, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Oceanside), built 1940, S/N 5738
- [N33555](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N33555): [Mcglochlin Bruce A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MCGLOCHLIN%20BRUCE%20A), [Tomales, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Tomales), built 1945, S/N 14031
- [N3474N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3474N): [Hight Melanie](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HIGHT%20MELANIE), [Washington, DC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DC/Washington), S/N 22697
- [N3545N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3545N): [Furnas Jerry W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FURNAS%20JERRY%20W), [San Diego, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/San%20Diego), S/N 22779
- [N38170](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N38170): [Kisela Andrew J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KISELA%20ANDREW%20J), [Troy, MO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MO/Troy), built 1941, S/N 6838
- [N41122](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N41122): [Minor James F](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MINOR%20JAMES%20F), [Lake Dallas, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Lake%20Dallas), built 1941, S/N 7769
- [N41301](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N41301): [Klintrin Collectibles LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KLINTRIN%20COLLECTIBLES%20LLC), [Downers Grove, IL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IL/Downers%20Grove), built 1941, S/N 7955
- [N42399](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N42399): [Reece Rebecca H](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/REECE%20REBECCA%20H), [San Angelo, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/San%20Angelo), S/N 14658
- [N42408](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N42408): [Sullivan Robert Jr](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SULLIVAN%20ROBERT%20JR), [Downey, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Downey), built 1945, S/N 14668, Registration revoked
- [N42456](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N42456): [Harrington Robert](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HARRINGTON%20ROBERT), [Chico, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Chico), built 1945, S/N 14723
- [N42511](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N42511): [Stiletto Airpark LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/STILETTO%20AIRPARK%20LLC), [Bertram, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Bertram), S/N 14783
- [N42658](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N42658): [Keegel Michael D](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KEEGEL%20MICHAEL%20D), [Sanford, NC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NC/Sanford), built 1945, S/N 14952
- [N426CF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N426CF): [Skyraider A1e LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SKYRAIDER%20A1E%20LLC), [Rocky Hill, CT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CT/Rocky%20Hill), built 1944, S/N 11717
- [N48694](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N48694): [Klingele Shawn T](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KLINGELE%20SHAWN%20T), [Wapato, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Wapato), built 1943, S/N 10377
- [N48947](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N48947): [Weiler Jerry J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WEILER%20JERRY%20J), [Port Angeles, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Port%20Angeles), built 1942, S/N G-182
- [N523WM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N523WM): [Biondich Dennis](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BIONDICH%20DENNIS), [Rubicon, WI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WI/Rubicon), built 1946, S/N 22358
- [N5DH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5DH): [Houdek Dennis E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HOUDEK%20DENNIS%20E), [Roseburg, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Roseburg), S/N 14299
- [N62179](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N62179): [Marsh Matthew](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MARSH%20MATTHEW), [Newburg, ND](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/ND/Newburg), S/N 22459
- [N70130](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70130): [Price John C DBA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PRICE%20JOHN%20C%20DBA), [Bennington, KS](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KS/Bennington), S/N 17108
- [N70302](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70302): [Horst Aviation LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HORST%20AVIATION%20LLC), [New Holland, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/New%20Holland), S/N 17278
- [N7034H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7034H): [Norris Cathy Joan](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/NORRIS%20CATHY%20JOAN), [Statesville, NC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NC/Statesville), built 1946, S/N 20278
- [N70371](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70371): [Taylor Daniel J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TAYLOR%20DANIEL%20J), [Dandridge, TN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TN/Dandridge), built 1946, S/N 17355
- [N70628](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70628): [Nemeth Lydia](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/NEMETH%20LYDIA), [Lexington, KY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KY/Lexington), built 1946, S/N 17640
- [N7062H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7062H): [Alacoast Vintage Biplanes LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ALACOAST%20VINTAGE%20BIPLANES%20LLC), [Irvington, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Irvington), built 1946, S/N 20312
- [N70738](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70738): [Morgan Donald Ray](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MORGAN%20DONALD%20RAY), [Fort Payne, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Fort%20Payne), built 1946, S/N 17757
- [N70848](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70848): [Martineli James E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MARTINELI%20JAMES%20E), [Madras, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Madras), S/N 18225
- [N70918](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70918): [Almand Todd L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ALMAND%20TODD%20L), [Keller, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Keller), built 1946, S/N 17944
- [N70927](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70927): [Grosch Dick D](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GROSCH%20DICK%20D), [O'Neill, NE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NE/O'Neill), built 1946, S/N 17954
- [N71039](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N71039): [Stan Lucian M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/STAN%20LUCIAN%20M), [Sacramento, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Sacramento), S/N 18060
- [N7226H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7226H): [Skinner Lawrence W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SKINNER%20LAWRENCE%20W), [Fort Myers, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Fort%20Myers), S/N 20490
- [N7335H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7335H): [Hangar 39 LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HANGAR%2039%20LLC), [Culpeper, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Culpeper), built 1946, S/N 20594
- [N77532](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N77532): [Dinger Jamie L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DINGER%20JAMIE%20L), [Aberdeen, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Aberdeen), built 1947, S/N 22037
- [N78403](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N78403): [Lohr Frederick T](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LOHR%20FREDERICK%20T), [Chestertown, MD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MD/Chestertown), built 1947, S/N 23144
- [N78416](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N78416): [Sands Donald](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SANDS%20DONALD), [Lafayette, LA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/LA/Lafayette), S/N 23157
- [N8360H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8360H): [Rose Richard W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ROSE%20RICHARD%20W), [Bend, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Bend), built 1945, S/N 45-5137
- [N87939](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N87939): [Aerial Banners North Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERIAL%20BANNERS%20NORTH%20INC), [Pembroke Pines, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Pembroke%20Pines), S/N 15557
- [N88037](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88037): [Willke Sue E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILLKE%20SUE%20E), [Sewickley, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Sewickley), S/N 15654
- [N88101](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88101): [Peoples Lawrence R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PEOPLES%20LAWRENCE%20R), [Louisburg, NC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NC/Louisburg), built 1945, S/N 15276
- [N88146](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88146): [Patterson David K](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PATTERSON%20DAVID%20K), [Collierville, TN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TN/Collierville), built 1946, S/N 15763
- [N88684](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88684): [Epps Charles T](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/EPPS%20CHARLES%20T), [Huntsville, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Huntsville), built 1946, S/N 16312
- [N9095H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9095H): [Emmons John K](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/EMMONS%20JOHN%20K), [Corona, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Corona), S/N 29893
- [N91965](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N91965): [Wallace Randall R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WALLACE%20RANDALL%20R), [Stamps, AR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AR/Stamps), built 1946, S/N 16390
- [N92031](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N92031): [Sanchez Joseph](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SANCHEZ%20JOSEPH), [Walnut Grove, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Walnut%20Grove), built 1946, S/N 16464
- [N92248](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N92248): [Spec Raymond G](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SPEC%20RAYMOND%20G), [Crescent, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Crescent), built 1946, S/N 16704
- [N92326](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N92326): [Dalsky Mark A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DALSKY%20MARK%20A), [Anchorage, AK](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AK/Anchorage), built 1946, S/N 16781
- [N92355](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N92355): [Lam Philip](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LAM%20PHILIP), [San Francisco, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/San%20Francisco), built 1946, S/N 16812

All 56: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j-3c/aircraft.md

## NTSB investigations (17)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB GAA18CA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA001), Oct 3, 2017: Piper J3C (N48694), Yakima, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB ERA10CA366](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA366), Jul 18, 2010: Piper J-3C (N98342), Buckhead, GA, substantial damage. Probable cause: An in-flight encounter with a downdraft during a go-around, resulting in a collision with trees and the ground.
- [NTSB CHI96LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA022), Oct 29, 1995: Piper J-3C (N88037), Rochester, IN, destroyed. Probable cause: failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in a stall. A factor relating to the accident was: the gusty wind condition.
- [NTSB ATL83LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA109), Feb 18, 1983: Piper J-3C (N88037), Stockbridge, GA, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA77DLD12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77DLD12), Nov 1, 1976: Piper J-3 (N87939), Venice, FL, substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC77DAH08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC77DAH08-201365), Oct 6, 1976: Piper J3C (N7335H), Sheep Mtn, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA76FYI24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA76FYI24), Sep 19, 1976: Piper J-3 (N8360H), Salt Crk Falls, OR, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC76FCJ19](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC76FCJ19), Dec 9, 1975: Piper J-3 (N42511), Neligh, NE, destroyed
- [NTSB MIA76DLG18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA76DLG18), Sep 28, 1975: Piper J3 (N4504H), Mauldin, SC, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA73FKG51](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA73FKG51), Dec 3, 1972: Piper J3C-65 (N3545N), Cordele, GA, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA73DLG03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA73DLG03), Jul 2, 1972: Piper J-3 (N5147B), Aiken, SC, substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK72DVW31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK72DVW31), May 15, 1972: Piper J3C-65 (N48947), Las Vegas, NV, destroyed
- [NTSB CHI68D0192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI68D0192), Aug 13, 1967: Piper J-3 (N92477), Hager City, WI, destroyed
- [NTSB MKC66F0115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC66F0115), May 29, 1965: Piper J3C (N70927), Viewfield, SD, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA65F0106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA65F0106), May 21, 1965: Piper J3C (N30226), Louisburg, NC, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC65F0199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC65F0199), Apr 25, 1965: Piper J3C (N88158), North Norwich, NY, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC65F0012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC65F0012), Jan 30, 1965: Piper J3 (N88037), Kenesaw, KS, substantial damage

## FAA accident and incident reports (15)

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [Incident 20260220000799I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20260220000799I), Feb 20, 2026: Piper J-3C (N98294), Otisfield, ME, Minor damage. The aircraft departed Oxford airport headed south and experienced a partial loss of power over the north end of thompson lake. Initial application of…
- [Accident 20171003011279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20171003011279A), Oct 3, 2017: Piper J-3C (N48694), Yakima, WA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported that on takeoff he encountered a gust of wind which caused directional control difficulties. Aircraft landed off-runway and incurred right hand…
- [Accident 20100718038349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100718038349A), Jul 18, 2010: Piper J-3C (N98342), Buckhead, GA, Destroyed. Aircraft was returning to the airfield due to inclement weather approaching. When on base leg, the pilot noticed donkeys on the runway. He initiated a go…
- [Accident 19951029039209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951029039209A), Oct 29, 1995: Piper J3C* (N88037), Rochester, IN, Substantial damage. Made climbing turn after takeoff. Wind gust inverted J3. Stalled. Crashed. Witnesses beleived pilot showing off. (-23) pilot stated that he took off from…
- [Incident 19900703032649I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900703032649I), Jul 3, 1990: Piper J3C65 (N38950), Myrtle Beach, SC, Minor damage. Made a hard landing. Pilot stated he was unable to release banner before starting outboard turn.
- [Incident 19840408039539I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840408039539I), Apr 8, 1984: Piper J3C* (N87939), Sarasota, FL, Minor damage. Collided with parked aircraft while trying to turn aircraft at the gas pump. Pilots foot slipped off the brake.
- [Incident 19831105075099I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831105075099I), Nov 5, 1983: Piper J3 (N98118), Arvada, WY, Minor damage. Made emergency landing due to a rough engine while looking for cattle. Found water in fuel.
- [Accident 19830218004729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830218004729A), Feb 18, 1983: Piper J3C* (N88037), Stockbridge, GA, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing after engine quit shortly after takeoff.
- [Incident 19811228087289I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19811228087289I), Dec 28, 1981: Piper J3C* (N87939), Bradenton, FL, Minor damage. Za lost power, dropped banner, hit fence landing. Internal explosion made hole in muffler. Exhaust burned harness.
- [Accident 19761101034749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19761101034749A), Nov 1, 1976: Piper L4B (N87939), Venice, FL, Substantial damage. Fuel header tank installed below level of carburetor causing fuel starvation in glide attitude.
- [Accident 19761006035119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19761006035119A), Oct 6, 1976: Piper L4B (N7335H), Sheep Mtn, AK, Substantial damage
- [Accident 19760919028429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19760919028429A), Sep 19, 1976: Piper L4B (N8360H), Salt Crk Falls, OR, Substantial damage. Flew into narrow blind canyon. Unable to turn-around. Plt reported downdrafts.
- [Accident 19751209038449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19751209038449A), Dec 9, 1975: Piper J3C65 (N42511), Neligh, NE, Destroyed. Flying low ovr hilly trrn and scattered wooded area.r ski struck top gnd wire.
- [Accident 19751012039909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19751012039909A), Oct 12, 1975: Piper J3C65 (N78771), FL, Substantial damage
- [Accident 19750928030089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19750928030089A), Sep 28, 1975: Piper L4B (N4504H), Mauldin, SC, Substantial damage

## Service difficulty reports (5)

As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report.

- [SDR 2023FA0000315](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2023FA0000315), Apr 27, 2023: PROPELLER. BROKEN. ABOUT FIVE INCHES OF PROPELLER BLADE #1 SEPARATED FROM TIP DURING FLIGHT REQUIRING AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY LANDING.
- [SDR 2010FA0000521](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2010FA0000521), Jun 2, 2010: CONTROL CABLE. BROKEN. ACFT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING DUE TO POWER LOSS DURING FLIGHT. WEATHER WAS CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICING.
- [SDR 2006FA0000394](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2006FA0000394), Apr 1, 2006: SPAR. CORRODED. AILERON SPARS FOUND EXCESSIVE CORROSION UNDER ALL 3 HINGES. NEEDED TO REPLACE SPAR ON BOTH LT AND RT AILERONS BEFORE RECOVERING AILERONS. (K)
- [SDR 2003FA0000684](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2003FA0000684), Jun 22, 2003: STRIP. SEPARATED. AT CRUISE, PORTION OF PROP LEADING EDGE STRIP SEPARATED FROM PROP. EMERGENCY LANDING ON LAKE ERIE SHORE. PROP OVERHAULED IN 1974. APPROX 40 HOURS SINCE LAST ANN
- [SDR 0074382](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/0074382), Mar 5, 2003: CLAMP. CORRODED. CORROSION ON CLAMP ASSEMBLY.

## The same model under other registry codes

Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes.

- [Piper-Twardowski J-3C](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-twardowski-j-3c): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 710050A
- [Piper/Dear J3C](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-dear-j3c): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 710051C

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