# NTSB ANC83LA164: Piper J-3, N98172, Aleknagik, AK, September 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 2, 1983, 14:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Aleknagik, AK
- Coordinates: 59.239261, -158.620971 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.2393&lon=-158.6210&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4166
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC83LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4166/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83LA164

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of experience, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper use of equipment/aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, DURING TAKEOFF THE RIGHT WING STRUCK SOME TALL BRUSH. THE PILOT HELD NO CERTIFICATES OR RATINGS BUT SAID HE HAD ABOUT 50 OR 60 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98172](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N98172), registered now, S/N 18333, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-65-A 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Patrick Kohler Sr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 5A8, Aleknagik, runway 15, 2,100 ×  ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 60 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLG, 15 nm away

## 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 19830902046399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830902046399A), Sep 2, 1983: Piper J3, Aleknagik, AK, Substantial damage. Stalled and crashed on takeoff. Pilot not certificated had consumed alcohol according to the state police.

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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