# NTSB ATL82DA147: Piper J3C-65, N42102, Charlotte, NC, May 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1982, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Charlotte, NC
- Coordinates: 35.209289, -80.860343 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2093&lon=-80.8603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70202
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82DA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70202/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA147

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - tie down - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING TAKEOFF ROLL HE TURNED AND REACHED FOR A BAG THAT HAD STARTED TO FALL OUT THE DOOR. THE RIGHT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO TURN SIDEWAYS AND COLLAPSE THE GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N42102](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N42102-2013-03-11), registration cancelled 2013-03-11, S/N 14329, built 1945 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C-65
- 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
- Serial number: 14329
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-8 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jerry W Keller
- Registered owner: Jerry W Keller
- Departed: 9A3, CHARLOTTE, NC
- Destination: CHERAW, SC
- Airport: 9A3, Brockenbrough, runway 32, 2,491 × 25 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,070 total, 190 in this make and model, 950 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 185 °F

## 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 19820516021239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820516021239A), May 16, 1982: Piper J3C65, Charlotte, NC, Substantial damage. Pilots attention diverted to bag that was falling out door. Wing tip struck ground and gear collapsed.

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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