# NTSB ANC82DAA20: Piper J3, N3257N, Near Nome, AK, September 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1982, 12:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Near Nome, AK
- Coordinates: 64.709075, -164.619186 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.7091&lon=-164.6192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 22, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71903
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC82DAA20
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71903/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC82DAA20

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS FLYING HOME FROM A HUNTING TRIP. THE WEATHER WAS LOW CEILING AND VISIBILITY WAS MARGINAL IN SOME OF THE VALLEYS. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED AT THE 1300 FOOT LEVEL ON A 30 DEGREE INCLINE OF A ROCKY SLOPE. THE AIRCRAFT BOUNCED BACKFOUR FEET ON IMPACT AND BURNED. THE 1157 BDT WEATHER AT NOME WAS REPORTED AS 500 FT SCATTERED, 1200 FT OVERCAST, VISIBILITY 6 MILES WITH LIGHT DRIZZLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3257N (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22447
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John D. Van Winkle Jr.
- Registered owner: John D. Van Winkle Jr.
- Departed: IGLOO, AK
- Destination: NOME, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 11 knots
- Temperature: 108 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820922048849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820922048849A), Sep 22, 1982: Piper J3, Nome, AK, Destroyed. Lost control attempting VFR flight through a mountain pass in unfavorable weather conditions. Near vertical impact.

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.

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