# NTSB CHI87LA055: Piper J3C-65, N37926, Harrison Twp., WI, December 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 27, 1986, 10:50 local (16:50 UTC)
- Place: Harrison Twp., WI
- Coordinates: 44.019992, -88.159484 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0200&lon=-88.1595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13714
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13714/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA055

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (cause)
  - proper glidepath - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLT THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO ADD POWER AND CARB HEAT WITH NO IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IN ENG POWER. THE PLT THEN TRIED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FIELD BUT DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES. THE PLT REPORTED CARBURETOR ICE AS THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37926](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N37926), registered now, S/N 6711, built 1941 (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: 6711
- Airframe hours: 5590
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert J. Schroeder
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 8, 1986, 18 hours before
- Departed: ATW, APPLETON, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 3,610 total, 36 in this make and model, 3,370 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 34 °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 19861227070869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861227070869A), Dec 27, 1986: Piper J3C65, Harrison, WI, Substantial damage. The engine lost power. The aircraft stalled into trees during the forced landing. Suspect carburetor icing.

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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