# NTSB DEN86LA188: Piper J-3, N40660, Ashland, MT, July 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1986, 06:10 local (12:10 UTC)
- Place: Ashland, MT
- Coordinates: 45.450531, -106.210136 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4505&lon=-106.2101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17003
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA188
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17003/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA188

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - ditch
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT DID NOT POSSESS A PLT CERTIFICATE OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. THE PLT STATED THAT HE FUELED THE ACFT WITH THE 'LAST GAS IN THE STORAGE TANK.' THE PLT PREFLIGHTED THE ACFT AND TOOK OFF. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT EXECUTED A LANDING IN AN ALFALFA FIELD AND STRUCK AN IRREGATION DITCH. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE PLT STATED IN THE NTSB ACCIDENT REPORT THAT 'THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY CHANGING FILTER ON BULK TANK AND LETTING WATER SETTLE IN TANK BEFORE DRAINING SUMP AND GASCOLATOR'.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40660](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40660), registered now, S/N 7421 (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 C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7421
- Airframe hours: 5153
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-8 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Kirk E. Green
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1985
- Departed: 3U3, ASHLAND, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; seat: front; flight hours: 480 total, 480 in this make and model, 474 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19860704030359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860704030359A), Jul 4, 1986: Piper J3C65, Ashland, MT, Substantial damage. The engine began missing and the pilot attempted a precautionary landing. The aircraft struck an irrigation ditch.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.