NTSB investigations: Piper J3C-65
53 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper J3C-65, where the sequence of events included Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT). Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 7 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ERA26LA105Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Brimfield, OHThe 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 CEN25LA249Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Howard, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while on approach to land.NTSB ERA25FA239Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper J3C-65 · Dunlap, TNOn 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 ERA24LA328Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Groveland, FLThe pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA24LA213Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Apex, NCThe 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 WPR23LA311Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Miles City, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing on unimproved terrain.NTSB CEN23LA309Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Princeton, TXThe student pilot’s decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved field which resulted in an impact with an obstacle.NTSB ERA22LA107Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Winter Haven, FLThe 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 CEN21FA380Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Adrian, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21LA204Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Slaughter, LAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined from the available evidence.NTSB ERA20LA023Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Grand Bay, ALA 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 GAA19CA575Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C · Lander, WYThe 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 CEN19LA184Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Vine Grove, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper visual lookout during the approach, which resulted in inadequate clearance from a tree.NTSB GAA19CA027Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C · Camas, WAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.NTSB WPR18LA257Accident · No injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Jackson, CAA loss of directional control during takeoff and initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN18TA330Accident · No injuriesFinal reportPiper J3C · Friendswood, TXThe 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 ERA17LA328Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Hanover Township, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain roll control while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA17LA281Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Green Creek, NJThe pilot's exhaustion of the fuel supply in the selected tank.NTSB ERA17LA275Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Salisbury, CTAn improper replacement of the crankshaft by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a failure of the crankshaft gear and total loss of engine power.NTSB GAA17CA506Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C · Camas, WAThe pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.NTSB CEN17FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Chetek, WIThe 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 ERA15LA287Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C 65 · Southside, WVThe 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 ANC14LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3 · Ft. Yukon, AKThe pilot's improper preflight inspection and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA14FA455Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Fort Gaines, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during flight, which resulted in a collision with a river.NTSB WPR14FA234Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Paso Robles, CAThe 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 ERA14LA253Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C - 65 · Hopkinsville, KYThe 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 WPR14CA202Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C 65 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.NTSB ERA14LA137Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Macon, GAThe 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 ERA13CA234Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Selma, NCThe instructor pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with power lines and then the ground.NTSB CEN13LA193Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Seguin, TXThe 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 CEN12FA616Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Kingsland, TXThe 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 ERA12CA281Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Plantation Key, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane and ensure clearance from trees.NTSB ERA12CA235Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Douglas, GAThe 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 CEN11CA498Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Williams Lake, MIA 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 ERA11LA379Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Egremont, MAA 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 CEN11LA348Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Cypress, TXThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.NTSB ERA11CA174Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Maysvile, NCThe 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 CEN11CA121Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Cypress, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.NTSB ERA10LA437Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Williamstown, NJThe partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to weak spark plugs on the No. 1 cylinder.NTSB CEN10LA416Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Krum, TXA total loss of engine power in flight due to carburetor icing.NTSB ERA10CA339Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Thomaston, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.NTSB CEN10CA332Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Hot Springs, ARA 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 CEN10CA252Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Sandwich, ILThe pilot's delay in using carburetor heat resulting in a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.NTSB CEN10LA002Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Rosemount, MNThe pilot's delayed use of carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.NTSB CEN09CA566Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Mondovi, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA09CA390Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C · South Charleston, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain control during the attempted go-around.NTSB WPR09CA002Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Lynden, WAThe separation of the tailwheel spring retaining clip for unknown reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.NTSB CHI08CA250Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J-3 · North Branch, MNThe 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 CHI08CA187Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Lake In The Hil, ILThe directional control not maintained/obtained by the pilot during landing.NTSB ERA09CA543Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Rosedale, MSThe failure of the pilots to maintain airspeed following a reported partial loss of engine power.