# NTSB FTW85LA200: Piper J-3C-65, N3475K, Sulphur, LA, April 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1985, 08:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Sulphur, LA
- Location: 30.2298° N, 93.3563° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sulphur, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2298&lon=-93.3563&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA200
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA200

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - precipitation static conditions (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE HAD TAKEN OFF TO THE SOUTH INTO THE WIND. HE MADE A TURN TO THE WEST TO CLEAR TREES. AT ABOUT 150 FEET THE AIRCRAFTS CLIMB ABILITY DETERIORATED SO HE TURNED BACK INTO THE WIND BUT THE NOSE DROPPED STALLED AND THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A SPIN. THE PILOT TRIED TO RECOVER BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL WITH THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTING IN A PLOWED FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3475K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3475K), registered now, S/N 22169, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3C-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: 22169
- Airframe hours: 544
- Engines: Continental A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Phillip A. Guzzino
- Registered owner: Billy B. Sellers
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1984
- Destination: ORANGE COUNTY, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 133 total, 39 in this make and model, 93 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 6 knots, gusting 8
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850425014359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850425014359A), Apr 25, 1985: Piper J3C65, Sulphur, LA, Substantial damage. Poor climb performance caused pilot to turn away from trees. Aircraft stalled during turn and spun to impact.

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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