# NTSB ATL86LA076: Piper J3L-65, N30233, Sevierville, TN, February 16, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 16, 1986, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Sevierville, TN
- Coordinates: 35.780845, -83.609008 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7808&lon=-83.6090&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7067
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7067/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA076

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,cylinder - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - tree(s)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND A FORCED LANDING WAS INITIATED. DURING THE DESCENT THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED TREETOPS PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDERS HAD BROKEN AWAY FROM THE CRANKCASE. THE ENGINE WAS PLACED INTO SERVICE IN THE YEAR 1940 AND THE TOTAL TIME ON THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30233](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30233-2022-11-05), registration cancelled 2022-11-05, S/N 4713, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3L-65
- 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: 4713
- Airframe hours: 4112
- Engines: LYCOMING O-145B SERIES 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth Zillmer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 9, 1985
- Departed: 3A9, SEVIERVILLE, TN
- Airport: 3A9, Pigion Forge

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,690 total, 15 in this make and model, 1,565 as pilot in command, 175 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point -0 °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 19860216002759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860216002759A), Feb 16, 1986: Piper J3L65, Sevierville, TN, Substantial damage. Engine power loss on takeoff, cylinder failed. Turned back towards runway, clipped trees, then impacted the 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.