# NTSB CHI86LA149: Piper J3, N98739, Brodhead, WI, June 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1986, 20:20 local (Jun 11, 1986, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Brodhead, WI
- Coordinates: 42.609725, -89.370231 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6097&lon=-89.3702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13467
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13467/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA149

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS MAKING A LOW PASS OVER A FRIEND'S HOUSE. HE WAS WAVING TO THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND AND WHEN HE LOOKED UP HE WAS TOO CLOSE TO A TREE TO AVOID HITTING IT. THE PLANE THEN DESCENDED TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98739](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N98739-1996-10-01), registration cancelled 1996-10-01, S/N 18970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18970
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: F. F. Badertscher
- Registered owner: Fredoric Baderischer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 2, 1985
- Departed: C37, BRODHEAD, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 356 total, 25 in this make and model, 322 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 170° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JVL, 45 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 19860610023779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860610023779A), Jun 10, 1986: Piper J3C65, Brodhead, WI, Substantial damage. The aircraft hit trees during low level maneuvering and crashed. Pilot failed to fly at a safe altitude.

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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