# NTSB CHI87LA182: Piper J3, N6562H, Vermillion Lake, MN, August 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1987, 20:57 local (Aug 3, 1987, 01:57 UTC)
- Place: Vermillion Lake, MN
- Coordinates: 47.849044, -92.680961 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8490&lon=-92.6810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13806
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13806/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA182

## 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,magneto - failure,total (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO LAND AFTER THE LOSS OF POWER, THE RIGHT WING TIP HIT THE WATER AND THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN INTO THE LAKE. ACCORDING TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE AIRCRAFT AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE COILS AND CONDENSERS ON BOTH MAGNETOS WERE VERY WEAK AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT PRODUCE ENOUGH POWER TO SUSTAIN FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6562H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6562H), registered now, S/N 19754, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 19754
- Airframe hours: 2140
- Engines: Continental A 65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Raymond A. Debevec
- Registered owner: Raymond A Debevec
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, expired; seat: rear; flight hours: 500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HIB, 35 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 19870802040399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870802040399A), Aug 2, 1987: Piper J3C65, Tower, MN, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Attempting to return to land. Right wing tip hit the water. Aircraft flipped over in lake.

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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