# NTSB ATL85LA125: Piper J-3C-65, N98760, Blairsville, GA, March 31, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 31, 1985, 16:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Blairsville, GA
- Coordinates: 34.869434, -83.950294 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8694&lon=-83.9503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6767
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6767/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA125

## Sequence of events

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

- Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, takeoff - initial climb
  - altitude - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT AND HIS STUDENT PLT PASSENGER WERE DEPARTING THE A/P WHEN THE PLT MADE A SHARP TURN DOWNWIND AT ABOUT 100 FT OF ALT. THE A/C MASHED INTO THE GROUND BOUNCED AND LANDED IN SMALL TREES. THE NEAREST REPORTED WINDS WERE RECORDED AT 19 KTS. THE PLT ESTIMATED THE WIND AT ABOUT 10 KTS. THE FBO REPORTED A 20-30 FT KNOLL UP WIND OF THE IMPACT POINT OF THE J-3.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98760](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N98760-2018-02-12), registration cancelled 2018-02-12, S/N 18991, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3C-65
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18991
- Airframe hours: 2212
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James A. Szczepanski
- Registered owner: John S. Lowe
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1984
- Departed: 46A
- Destination: 6A3, ANDREWS-MURPHY, NC
- Airport: 46A, Blairsville, runway 23, 3,200 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 246 total, 51 in this make and model, 183 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 19 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TYS, 58 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 19850331010309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850331010309A), Mar 31, 1985: Piper J3C65, Blairsville, GA, Substantial damage. Stalled during low altitude turn to downwind after takeoff, struck the ground and bounced into trees.

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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