# NTSB FTW86LA014: Piper J3C-65, N87769, Rosharon, TX, October 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 10, 1985, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Rosharon, TX
- Coordinates: 29.369323, -95.449157 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3693&lon=-95.4492&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): 21986
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21986/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA014

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - airspeed - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE WAS ON A LOCAL FLT AND AT ABOUT 200 FT ABOVE THE SURFACE THE ACFT STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE SURFACE BEFORE RECOVERY COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED. HE SAID HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87769](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N87769), registered now, S/N 15427, 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: 15427
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David Hancock
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 4, 1984

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 4,731 total, 200 in this make and model, 2,100 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19851010051499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851010051499A), Oct 10, 1985: Piper J3C65, Rosharon, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot stated that while flying at 200 feet above ground, the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground.

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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