# NTSB ATL97LA107: Piper J3C-65, N98879, Leesburg, FL, July 20, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 20, 1997, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Leesburg, FL - Coordinates: 28.799308, -81.880523 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.7993&lon=-81.8805&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report January 30, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3878 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA107 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3878/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA107 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadvertent entry into a secondary stall and spin, as engine power faltered during application of power, while recovering from an intentional stall. The hesitation (faltering) of power and the pilot's diverted attention were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - stall - intentional, pilot in command - remedial action - initiated, pilot in command - miscellaneous,engine - other (contributing factor) - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor) - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - water ## Analysis The pilot stated that he was demonstrating stalls to his son. He said that he had recovered from the first stall without incident and climbed to 2000 feet. He said he initiated a second stall (over the area of a lake). Also, he said that while attempting to recover, the engine failed to return to full power as the throttle was advanced, and the airplane entered a spin; then while recovering, the right wing tip struck the water, and the airplane cartwheeled and sank. ## Factual narrative On July 20, 1997, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N98879, collided with water while practicing stalls over Lake Harris in Leesburg, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The commercial pilot and one passenger sustained minor injures and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Eustis, Florida about 1140 on the same day. The pilot stated to the local authorities that he was demonstrating stalls to his son. He said that he had recovered from the first stall without incident, climbed to 2000 feet and initiated a second stall. While attempting to recover, the engine failed to return to full power when the throttle was advanced. The airplane entered a spin, and while recovering the right wing tip struck the water and the airplane cartwheeled and sank. The pilot and passenger swam out of the airplane and were helped to shore by a nearby boater. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N98879](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N98879), registered now, S/N 19660, built 1946 (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: 19660 - Airframe hours: 2729 - Engines: Continental C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Jett Riley - Registered owner: Seneca Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 15, 1997, 30 hours before - Departed: X55, EUSTIS, FL - Airport: X55, Eustis ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,900 total, 220 in this make and model, 1,750 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 77 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: LEE, 2 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 19970720019079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970720019079A), Jul 20, 1997: Piper J3C65, Eustis, FL, Substantial damage. Engine failed respond low altitude recovery from a spin. Wing hit water. Cub cartwheeled. (.19) on July 20, 1997, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Piper… 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.