# NTSB ATL86FEI05: Piper J3, N40782, Wauseon, OH, May 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1986, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Wauseon, OH
- Coordinates: 41.55027, -84.13977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5503&lon=-84.1398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6974
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FEI05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6974/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FEI05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS LANDING ON RWY 27 WITH THE WIND FROM ABOUT 190 DEGREES AT 15 MPH, GUSTING TO 23 MPH; HE EXECUTED A NORMAL LDG AND WAS ROLLING OUT WHEN A GUST OF WIND LIFTED UP THE LEFT WING AND THE ACFT GROUND-LOOPED. THE ACFT SUBSEQUENTLY FLIPPED OVER INVERTED. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD HE WAITED FOR MORE FAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40782](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40782), registered now, S/N 7496, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- Registry model: [Piper J3F-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3f-65) (registry code 7100536) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 4AC176B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-4ac176b-series) (registry code 27006, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7496
- Airframe hours: 4644
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fred J. Miller
- Registered owner: Fred J. Miller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 16, 1985, 60 hours before
- Departed: OG6, BRYAN, OH
- Destination: 6D4, WAUSEON, OH
- Airport: 64D, Exit 3, runway 27, 2,700 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 176 total, 98 in this make and model, 123 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 14 knots, gusting 23
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TOL, 15 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 19860504015539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860504015539A), May 4, 1986: Piper J3F65, Wauseon, OH, Substantial damage. The aircraft ground looped on landing. Pilot failed to update weather briefing and landed in strong crosswinds.

## Other investigations on N40782 (2)

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.

- [NTSB NYC01LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA156), Jun 29, 2001: Piper J3F-65 (N40782), Findlay, OH, substantial damage. Probable cause: Two chafed ignition switch leads, which resulted in a failure of the ignition system and subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CHI76FEC09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI76FEC09), Aug 20, 1975: Piper J3F-65 (N40782), Blissfield, MI, substantial damage

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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