# NTSB ATL86LA229: Piper J3C-65, N25803, Benson, NC, August 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 26, 1986, 18:22 local (22:22 UTC)
- Place: Benson, NC
- Coordinates: 35.369285, -78.540412 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3693&lon=-78.5404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7170
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA229
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7170/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA229

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
  - low pass - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS BEING OPERATED AT LOW LEVEL BENEATH POWER LINES WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE PLT SAID HE COULD NOT RECALL THE EVENTS OF THE ACCIDENT. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO DEFECT IN THE FLT CONTROLS NOR THE ENGINE. EXAM OF THE ACCIDENT SITE INDICATED THAT THE ACFT FLEW INTO THE GROUND IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE AND COLLIDED WITH A LOW BERM. THE UNCLE OF THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT HE HAD OBSERVED THE PLT 'BUZZING' HIS HOUSE IN THE PAST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N25803](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N25803-2021-07-31), registration cancelled 2021-07-31, S/N 3754, built 1939 (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: 3754
- Airframe hours: 5180
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Claude O. Mcbroom
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 4, 1986, 190 hours before
- Departed: W27, SMITHFIELD, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 310 total, 177 in this make and model, 242 as pilot in command, 58 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDU, 33 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 19860826042529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860826042529A), Aug 26, 1986: Piper J3C65, Benson, NC, Destroyed. The aircraft struck the ground during low level maneuvering. Density altitude a factor.

## Other investigations on N25803 (1)

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 UNK64X3978](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X3978), Sep 13, 1964: Piper J3 (N25803), Guthrie, OK, no 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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