# NTSB CHI90LA210: Piper J-3 CUB, N1455N, Clay Banks, WI, July 29, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1990, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Clay Banks, WI
- Location: 44.7197° N, 87.0774° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Town of Clay Banks, WI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7197&lon=-87.0774&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90LA210
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA210

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING THE DESCENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE THE PILOT'S POOR WEATHER EVALUATION, AND CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IFR CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - descent - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING ACROSS THE LAKE AT ABOUT 500' AGL. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE ONTO LAND 'THE VISIBILITY SUDDENLY BECAME OBSCURED.' THE PILOT PERFORMED A 180 DEGREE TURN AND BEGAN TO DESCEND, INTENDING TO LAND HIS FLOAT PLANE ON THE LAKE ALONG THE SHORELINE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND POWER LINES DURING THE DESCENT, AND FELL TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1455N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1455N), registered now, S/N 22989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3 CUB
- 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: 22989
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-8F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Noggle, Donald R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 8, 1990, 14 hours before
- Departed: NONE, HARBOR SPRINGS, MI
- Destination: NONE, OSHKOSH, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 944 total, 270 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Lowest ceiling: 200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 64 °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 19900729028909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900729028909A), Jul 29, 1990: Piper STCJ3, Clay Banks, WI, Substantial damage. Encountered fog, rain, and low ceiling while scud running. Turned back to try to land floatplane on lake. Hit tree.

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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