# NTSB CHI85LA175: Piper J-3, N87920, Richfield, OH, April 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1985, 09:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Richfield, OH
- Coordinates: 41.229759, -81.629585 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2298&lon=-81.6296&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): 13049
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13049/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA175

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - all available runway - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not attained
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT MADE A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF USING APRX 1700 FT OF THE 2200 FT AIRSTRIP. UNABLE TO CLEAR TREES ALONG THE FLT PATH, HE TURNED TO THE RIGHT. HOWEVER, THE ACFT'S WHEEL PANTS CONTACTED A TREE WHILE THE PLANE WAS STILL BANKED TO THE RIGHT & A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF AIRSPEED WAS LOST. THE ACFT THEN BRUSHED TWO MORE TREES, LOST MORE AIRSPEED & CRASHED. ;

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87920](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N87920), registered now, S/N 15538, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15538
- Airframe hours: 400
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: George S. Ream
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1984
- Airport: OI45, Shootz Field, runway 27, 2,200 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,195 total, 400 in this make and model, 1,116 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °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 19850423019559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850423019559A), Apr 23, 1985: Piper J3C65, Richfield, OH, Substantial damage. Attempted takeoff from soft field without using full runway. Struck trees at runway end.

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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