# NTSB investigations: Piper J3C-65: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 53 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA105.md): Piper J3C · Brimfield, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 1, 2026 · N5930V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during descent in cold temperatures, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at an altitude too low for recovery.
- [NTSB CEN25LA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA249.md): Piper J3C-65 · Howard, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2025 · N88220 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while on approach to land.
- [NTSB ERA25FA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA239.md): Piper J3C-65 · Dunlap, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jun 24, 2025 · N28DR · Substantial damage
  > On June 24, 2025, about 18:23 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N28DR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dunlap, Tennessee. The commercial pilot was fatally injured and the passenger was seriously injured. The airplane…
- [NTSB ERA24LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA328.md): Piper J3C-65 · Groveland, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 27, 2024 · N77522 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA24LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA213.md): Piper J3C-65 · Apex, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 1, 2024 · N6872H · Substantial damage
  > The loss of directional control during the landing roll for reasons that could not be determined, due to impact damage sustained to the brake system.
- [NTSB WPR23LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA311.md): Piper J3C-65 · Miles City, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 11, 2023 · N3609K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing on unimproved terrain.
- [NTSB CEN23LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA309.md): Piper J3C-65 · Princeton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2023 · N41317 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved field which resulted in an impact with an obstacle.
- [NTSB ERA22LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA107.md): Piper J3C · Winter Haven, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 12, 2022 · N88509 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain airspeed during a turn, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to…
- [NTSB CEN21FA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA380.md): Piper J3C-65 · Adrian, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 22, 2021 · N70643 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA204.md): Piper J3C-65 · Slaughter, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2021 · N26783 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined from the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA20LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA023.md): Piper J3C · Grand Bay, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 27, 2019 · N7009H · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor ice that formed during an extended ground delay, and the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat before initiating the takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA19CA575](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA575.md): Piper J3C · Lander, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 26, 2019 · N33463 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in the right wing striking the ground, a runway excursion, impact with a fence, and a subsequent noseover.
- [NTSB CEN19LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA184.md): Piper J3C · Vine Grove, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 23, 2019 · N70803 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper visual lookout during the approach, which resulted in inadequate clearance from a tree.
- [NTSB GAA19CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA027.md): Piper J3C · Camas, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 13, 2018 · N6048H · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB WPR18LA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA257.md): Piper J3C · Jackson, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Sep 8, 2018 · N70192 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of directional control during takeoff and initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN18TA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18TA330.md): Piper J3C · Friendswood, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 13, 2018 · N42218 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct a flight in an airplane that had a tailwheel with degraded locking pins, which allowed the tailwheel to unlock and swivel out of alignment and precluded the pilot from regaining directional control on the ground during a…
- [NTSB ERA17LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA328.md): Piper J3C · Hanover Township, PA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2017 · N38365 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain roll control while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA17LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA281.md): Piper J3C · Green Creek, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2017 · N46286 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exhaustion of the fuel supply in the selected tank.
- [NTSB ERA17LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA275.md): Piper J3C · Salisbury, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2017 · N98550 · Substantial damage
  > An improper replacement of the crankshaft by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a failure of the crankshaft gear and total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB GAA17CA506](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA506.md): Piper J3C · Camas, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 9, 2017 · N6048H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN17FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA196.md): Piper J3C · Chetek, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 2017 · N35132 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding the critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA15LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA287.md): Piper J3C 65 · Southside, WV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2015 · N92653 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exhaustion of the airplane’s fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to secure the engine before the forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC14LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14LA091.md): Piper J3 · Ft. Yukon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 2014 · N7092H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper preflight inspection and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA14FA455](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA455.md): Piper J3C-65 · Fort Gaines, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2014 · N95480 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during flight, which resulted in a collision with a river.
- [NTSB WPR14FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA234.md): Piper J3C · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2014 · N24918 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's steep right turn shortly after takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA14LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA253.md): Piper J3C - 65 · Hopkinsville, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2014 · N46777 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to identify poor engine performance during the engine run-up before takeoff. Also causal to the accident was the mistimed right magneto and the poor condition of the spark plugs in the No. 4 cylinder.
- [NTSB WPR14CA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA202.md): Piper J3C 65 · Tucson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 16, 2014 · N92090 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB ERA14LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA137.md): Piper J3C-65 · Macon, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2014 · N9026N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern at low altitude in gusting wind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to maneuver in the traffic pattern at a low altitude that did not allow…
- [NTSB ERA13CA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA234.md): Piper J3C-65 · Selma, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 9, 2013 · N21609 · Substantial damage
  > The instructor pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with power lines and then the ground.
- [NTSB CEN13LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA193.md): Piper J3C-65 · Seguin, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2013 · N88313 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be undetermined because an examination of the engine did not reveal any malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operation.
- [NTSB CEN12FA616](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA616.md): Piper J3C-65 · Kingsland, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2012 · N70108 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power resulting from an engine intake valve that became stuck open. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane when a required maintenance…
- [NTSB ERA12CA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA281.md): Piper J3C-65 · Plantation Key, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 13, 2012 · N75487 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane and ensure clearance from trees.
- [NTSB ERA12CA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA235.md): Piper J3C-65 · Douglas, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 17, 2012 · N3225N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the tailwheel-equipped airplane.
- [NTSB CEN11CA498](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA498.md): Piper J3C-65 · Williams Lake, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 19, 2011 · N88000 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control during approach due to the front seat passenger's belt buckle being wedged between the rear seat,the rudder pedal and floor board.
- [NTSB ERA11LA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA379.md): Piper J3C-65 · Egremont, MA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2011 · N98550 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the No. 4 intake and exhaust valves becoming lodged in the valve guides, which resulted from a lack of use, improper engine storage preparation, and improper return to service from indefinite storage.
- [NTSB CEN11LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA348.md): Piper J3C · Cypress, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 2011 · N55754 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.
- [NTSB ERA11CA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA174.md): Piper J3C-65 · Maysvile, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 2, 2011 · N23249 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-rated passenger’s loss of directional control during takeoff and the pilot’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN11CA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA121.md): Piper J3C-65 · Cypress, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 31, 2010 · N41458 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
- [NTSB ERA10LA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA437.md): Piper J3C-65 · Williamstown, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2010 · N209RC · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to weak spark plugs on the No. 1 cylinder.
- [NTSB CEN10LA416](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA416.md): Piper J3C-65 · Krum, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2010 · N35645 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power in flight due to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB ERA10CA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA339.md): Piper J3C-65 · Thomaston, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 28, 2010 · N41242 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN10CA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA332.md): Piper J3C-65 · Hot Springs, AR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2010 · N70906 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadvertent closure of the fuel valve. Contributing to the accident were the unmarked fuel shutoff valve and the pilot's inexperience in the accident airplane.
- [NTSB CEN10CA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA252.md): Piper J3C-65 · Sandwich, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2010 · N22394 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delay in using carburetor heat resulting in a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB CEN10LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA002.md): Piper J3C-65 · Rosemount, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2009 · N70585 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed use of carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB CEN09CA566](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA566.md): Piper J3C-65 · Mondovi, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 6, 2009 · N3549W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA09CA390](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA390.md): Piper J3C · South Charleston, WV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 8, 2009 · N88025 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control during the attempted go-around.
- [NTSB WPR09CA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA002.md): Piper J3C-65 · Lynden, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 3, 2008 · N2146M · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the tailwheel spring retaining clip for unknown reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB CHI08CA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA250.md): Piper J-3 · North Branch, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2008 · N42080 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power as a result of oil starvation to the number one rod bearing and number one connecting rod. Contributing to the accident was the rough terrain.
- [NTSB CHI08CA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA187.md): Piper J3C-65 · Lake In The Hil, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 5, 2008 · N30451 · Substantial damage
  > The directional control not maintained/obtained by the pilot during landing.
- [NTSB ERA09CA543](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA543.md): Piper J3C-65 · Rosedale, MS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 28, 2008 · N42156 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilots to maintain airspeed following a reported partial loss of engine power.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7100510&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7100510')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND s.aircrafts_position = x.position AND s."tier2Number" = '470' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence?model=7100510

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