# NTSB ATL83LA233: Piper J3-C65, N28019, Toddville, MD, June 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1983, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Toddville, MD
- Coordinates: 38.269973, -76.049652 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2700&lon=-76.0497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6097
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA233
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6097/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA233

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flt control syst,aileron control - jammed (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING WHILE SKIDDING AFTER THE AILERON CONTROL JAMMED. THE PILOT IN THE REAR SEAT AND THE OWNER IN THE FRONT SEAT SAID THAT AFTER A COUPLE OF STEEP TURNS THE AILERON CONTROL COULD NOT BE MOVED. THE ACFT WAS IN A LEFT WING DOWN ATTITUDE AND WAS CONTROLLED WITH THROTTLE, RUDDER AND ELEVATOR. IT SKIDDED LEFT UNTIL IMPACT WITH MARSHY TERRAIN. THE ACFT WAS MOVED TO GET IT OUT OF TIDAL WATER. WHEN A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE ACFT LATER A WRENCH WAS FOUND IN THE FUSELAGE WHICH WAS SUSPECT BUT BECAUSE THE ACFT WAS MOVED THE WRENCH COULD NOT BE POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED AS THE JAMMING DEVICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28019](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N28019), registered now, S/N 4519, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3-C65
- Registry model: [Piper J3L-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3l-65) (registry code 7100546) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-145B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-145b-series) (registry code 41502, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4519
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nickerson, David W.
- Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 1982
- Departed: CGE, CAMBRIDGE, MD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19830616025679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830616025679A), Jun 16, 1983: Piper J3, Toddsville, MD, Substantial damage. Reported ailerons locked in a bank. Crashed in a swamp. No jamming found but a loose wrench may have been culprit.

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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