# NTSB CHI83LA411: Piper J-3, N99163, Rockford, IL, September 3, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 3, 1983, 12:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Rockford, IL
- Location: 42.2711° N, 89.0940° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Rockford, IL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2711&lon=-89.0940&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12331
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA411
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12331/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA411

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fuel system,tank - improper (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THE ENGINE QUIT, SPUTTERED AND QUIT AGAIN BEFORE HE LANDED IN A BEAN FEILD AND NOSED OVER. PLT WHO IS ALSO AN A&P MECHANIC HAD BEEN USING SLOSHING/SEALING COMPOUND (RANDOLPH TANK SEALER #802) IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE COMPOUND WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE AND ON THE FUEL STRAINER. THE COMPOUND WAS BOUGHT IN 1980 ANDWAS DATED 12-9-78. THE FAILURE OF THE COMPOUND TO ADHEAR TO THE FUEL TANK WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE STALENESS OF THE COMPOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N99163 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 16741
- Airframe hours: 1246
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gladyn Raatz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 1983
- Departed: 32IL, LENA, IL
- Destination: ROSCOE, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 875 total, 450 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RFD, 7 nm away

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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