# NTSB DEN82DA185: Piper J-3 C65, N98872, Durango, CO, September 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: September 4, 1982, 14:52 local (20:52 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Coordinates: 37.270717, -107.880928 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2707&lon=-107.8809&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70527
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70527/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA185

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - attempted, pilot in command
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF WITH THE DOORS LATCHED OPEN, AND AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE AIRCRAFT FAILED TO EXCEED 42 MPH. HE REPORTED THAT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 150 FT WAS ATTAINED. DUE TO THE LACK OF PERFORMANCE AND FEARFUL OF OBSTRUCTIONS AHEAD, THE PILOT BEGAN A BROAD, FLAT 180 DEGREE RETURN TO THE FIELD. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND STRUCK THE GROUND. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS ABOUT 6530 FT AND THE REPORTED TEMPERATURE WAS 82 DEGREES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A 65 HORSEPOWER ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98872](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N98872), registered now, S/N 19128, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3 C65
- 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: 19128
- Airframe hours: 6000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven J. Stonehouse
- Registered owner: Steven J. Stonehouse
- Departed: DURANGO, CO
- Destination: DURANGO, CO
- Airport: Private Airstrip, runway 36, 3,200 × 0 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,831 total, 30 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 180 °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 19820904047929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820904047929A), Sep 4, 1982: Piper J3C65, Durango, CO, Substantial damage. Aircraft stalled and crashed after takeoff. Density altitude 9415 feet.

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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