# NTSB ATL85FA198: Piper J3C-65, N151A, Dothan, AL, June 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1985, 10:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: Dothan, AL
- Coordinates: 31.230251, -85.399085 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2303&lon=-85.3991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6624
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6624/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA198

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

A WITNESS RELATED THAT SHE OBSERVED THE ACFT FLYING LOW OVER FIELDS AND TREES. SHE LOST SIGHT OF THE ACFT AS IT WENT AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD. WHEN SHE ROUNDED THE CURVE SHE SAW THE ACFT NOSE DOWN IN A FIELD WITH THE TAIL POINTED VIRTUALLY STRAIGHT UP. THE PLT SAID THAT HE REMEMBERS NOTHING OF THE ACCIDENT SEQUENCE. ACCORDING TO THE PLT THE LAST THING HE REMEMBERS IS FLYING STRAIGHT AND LEVEL AT 90 MPH AT 1000 FT AGL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N151A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C-65
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20760
- Airframe hours: 1201
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kelly L. Teague
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1984, 48 hours before
- Departed: 37J, DOTHAN, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,347 total, 33 in this make and model, 731 as pilot in command, 132 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 4 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 19850628028499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850628028499A), Jun 28, 1985: Piper J3C65, Dothan, AL, Substantial damage. Impacted ground 90 degree nose down from a low altitude. No control or engine malfunctions found.

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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