# NTSB DEN84LA018: Piper J3C-65, N29037, Parker, CO, October 27, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 27, 1983, 17:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Parker, CO
- Coordinates: 39.499252, -104.760337 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4993&lon=-104.7603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16286
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16286/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA018

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - touch-and-go - performed, pilot in command
  - mixture control,linkage - incorrect
  - maintenance,service bulletin/letter - not followed, other maintenance personnel
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF PORTION OF A TOUCH & GO, THE ENG WENT TO IDLE 15 FT AGL. THE PLT MADE A LEFT TURN & LANDED IN A FIELDCOLLAPSING THE LANDING GEAR. INVESTIGATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE CARBURETOR WAS HANGING IN PLACE BY THE THROTTLE & MIXTURE CONTROL CABLES. THE MIXTURE CONTROL LEVER ARM ON THE CARB WAS FOUND IN THE FULL LEAN POSITION. THE CARBURETOR MIXTURE CONTROL WAS SUPPOSE TO BE WIRED TO THE FULL RICH POSITIVE. HOWEVER, THE SAFETY WIRE WAS FOUND CONNECTED ONLY TO THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE MIXTURE CONTROL PLATE COVER IN PLACE. IT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED IF THE MIXTURE CONTROL WAS MOVED TO THE FULL LEAN POSITION BEFORE OR DURING THE ACCIDENT SEQUENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N29037](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N29037-2013-04-15), registration cancelled 2013-04-15, S/N 6007, built 1940 (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: 6007
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: William Bates
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 1C08, Everitt, runway 36, 2,000 × 20 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 16; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 18 total, 18 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: APA, 8 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 19831027056799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831027056799A), Oct 27, 1983: Piper J3C65, Parker, CO, Substantial damage. Engine went to idle on takeoff climb. Crash landed. Mixture in lean postion either by vibration by the pilot.

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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