# NTSB FTW83LA306: Piper PA-12, N3483M, El Paso, TX, June 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 29, 1983, 17:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: El Paso, TX
- Coordinates: 31.800081, -106.35971 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8001&lon=-106.3597&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20954
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA306
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20954/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA306

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadequate, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH-&-GO LANDINGS & STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN FLYING WITH THE MIXTURE LEANED. AFTER A LANDING, HE APPLIED FULL THROTTLE, BUT THE ENG COUGHED & SPUTTERED. HE THEN ADVANCE THE MIXTURE TO RICH TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, THE ACFT VEERED TO THE RIGHT, WENT OFF THE RWY, CONTACTED A SAND DUNE & NOSED OVER. THE PLT HAD JUST TRANSITIONED TO TAILWHEEL EQUIPPED ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3483M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3483M), registered now, S/N 12-2339, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-2339
- Airframe hours: 1782
- Engines: LYCOMING O-230-A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jan L. Silagi
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, October 28, 1982, 10 hours before
- Airport: ELP, El Paso Int'L, runway 26, 5,600 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 326 total, 5 in this make and model, 13 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ELP

## 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 19830629027419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830629027419A), Jun 29, 1983: Piper PA12, El Paso, TX, Substantial damage. Lost control of aircraft on a touch and go landing when the engine hesitated after power application.

## Other investigations on N3483M (1)

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.

- [NTSB OAK76DXQ42](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK76DXQ42), May 4, 1976: Piper PA-12 (N3483M), Winnemucca, NV, substantial damage

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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