# NTSB DEN90LA128: Piper J3C-65, N32922, Wahpeton, ND, June 8, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 8, 1990, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Wahpeton, ND
- Coordinates: 46.25991, -96.60073 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.2599&lon=-96.6007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17945
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90LA128
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17945/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA128

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR WAS A STRONG CROSS WIND, WITH GUSTS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT LANDED FOR FUEL. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE CROSS WIND LIFTED THE LEFT WING, AND TAIL SECTION. THE PLANE SKIDDED OFF THE RUNWAY TO THE RIGHT AND ENTERED A DRAINAGE DITCH. THE TAIL SECTION WAS BENT UPWARDS, THE NOSE, ENGINE MOUNT, AND FIREWALL WERE BENT UPWARDS. WINDS WERE REPORTED FROM 270 DEGREES AT 23, GUSTING TO 32 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32922](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N32922), registered now, S/N 5713, built 1946 (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: 5713
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald V. Bottelberghe
- Departed: 3ND0, NORTHWOOD, ND
- Destination: BWP, MARSHALL, MN
- Airport: BWP, Harry Stern, runway 33, 4,400 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 317 total, 117 in this make and model, 184 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 23 knots, gusting 32
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 13,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAR

## 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 19900608019459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900608019459A), Jun 8, 1990: Piper J3C65, Wahpeton, ND, Substantial damage. Tried to land in gusty crosswind. Lost control. Ended up in 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.

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