# NTSB BFO85FA062: Piper J3C-65, N70336, Oakland, MD, July 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1985, 20:05 local (Jul 24, 1985, 00:05 UTC)
- Place: Oakland, MD
- Coordinates: 39.409091, -79.410926 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4091&lon=-79.4109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11138
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO85FA062
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11138/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO85FA062

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - improper (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - contamination
  - ignition system,high tension wiring - disconnected
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT HAD BEEN OBSERVED ON THE DAY OF THIS FLT AND ON THE 'PAST COUPLE OF DAYS' TO BE FLYING LOW AND VERY SLOW AT TREE TOP LEVEL. GROUND WITNESSES HEARD THE SOUNDS OF THE CRASH BUT COULD NOT SEE THE ACFT AT THE TIME. THE ACFT IMPACTEDTHE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE. THE ENG WAS OPERATING UNDER LOW PWR WITH THE MAGNETO SWITCH SELECTED TO THE RIGHT MAGNETO. BOTH MAGNETOS CONTAINED OIL AND TWO HIGH TENSION TERMINAL WERE BROKEN IN THE LEFT MAGNETO.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70336](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70336), registered now, S/N 17317, 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: 17317
- Airframe hours: 945
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: H. A. Martin
- Registered owner: Allen Lee Rohrbaugh
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1985
- Departed: OAKLAND, MD

## 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; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °F

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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