# NTSB CHI91LA240: Piper J-3, N1402N, Saint Leo, MN, July 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1991, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Saint Leo, MN
- Location: 44.7173° N, 96.0526° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of St. Leo, MN, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7173&lon=-96.0526&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 December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15137
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA240
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15137/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA240

## Probable cause

PERFORMANCE DATA WAS MISJUDGED RESULTING IN A POSITIVE CLIMB NOT BEING ATTAINED BY THE PILOT.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - climb - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - performance data - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A CUT OAT FARM FIELD, THE ACFT FAILED TO ATTAIN A POSITIVE CLIMB.  THE ACFT STRUCK A DIRT EMBANKMENT, LOST FLYING SPEED, AND SETTLED INTO A CORN FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1402N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1402N), registered now, S/N 22926, built 1947 (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: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22926
- Airframe hours: 3367
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-8 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Schaefer, William J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1991, 31 hours before
- Destination: MML, MARSHALL, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 142 total, 120 in this make and model, 115 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19910720030919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910720030919A), Jul 20, 1991: Piper J3C65, Saint Leo, MN, Substantial damage. Unable to attain climb speed on takeoff from short farm field. Struck a dirt berm at end of field.

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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