# NTSB ATL85LA151: Piper J3C-65, N6015H, Tullahoma, TN, April 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1985, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Tullahoma, TN
- Coordinates: 35.369754, -86.19905 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3698&lon=-86.1990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6787
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6787/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA151

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - electrical tower (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS GIVING A 15 YR OLD PASSENGER A LOCAL AREA FLT. WHILE IN LEVEL FLT AT ABOUT 200 FT AGL, THE ACFT HIT AN UNMARKED/GUYED ANTENNA TOWER & CRASHED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE TOWER. ALTHOUGH THE TOWER HAD BEEN THERE FOR MANY YEARS, IT WAS NOT PAINTED OR LIGHTED IAW THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN FAA ADVISORY CIRCULAR AC 70/7460-1F. ALSO, IT WAS NOT MARKED ON THE AERONAUTICAL CHARTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6015H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6015H), registered now, S/N 19154 (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: 19154
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Cumberland Flyers,Inc.
- Registered owner: Cumberland Flyers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: THA, TULLAHOMA, TN
- Airport: THA, Soesbe-Martin

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 530 total, 103 in this make and model, 500 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA, 45 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 19850428019489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850428019489A), Apr 28, 1985: Piper J3C65, Tullahoma, TN, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck unlighted unmarked unreported 252 foot tower during sightseeing flight. Aircraft impacted ground.

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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