# NTSB FTW89LA045: Piper J-3C-65, N6675H, Richards, TX, February 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 2, 1989, 17:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Richards, TX
- Coordinates: 30.539386, -95.859703 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5394&lon=-95.8597&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22831
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22831/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA045

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION IN DISREGARDING WIND INFORMATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTING CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - wind information - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD DEPARTED HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP 15 MINUTES EARLIER AND WAS TURNING FINAL FOR A LANDING TO THE SOUTH WHEN THE AIRPLANE HIT FIRST A TREE AND THEN THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED A GUST OF WIND MADE THE AIRPLANE UNCONTROLLABLE AND BLEW IT INTO THE TREE. THE PILOT ALSO STATED THE WIND WAS FROM THE WEST-SOUTHWEST AT AN ESTIMATED 18 KNOTS GUSTING TO 25 KNOTS. WEATHER LISTED ABOVE UNDER WEATHER DATA WAS OBSERVED AT COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, 38 NM FROM THE ACCIDENT SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6675H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6675H-2013-09-11), registration cancelled 2013-09-11, S/N 19880, 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: 19880
- Airframe hours: 2278
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-8F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brown, Scotty
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 5, 1989, 2 hours before
- Airport: runway 18, 2,600 × 40 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 3,750 total, 250 in this make and model, 3,500 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 320° at 14 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CLL, 38 nm away

## 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 19890202001829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890202001829A), Feb 2, 1989: Piper J3C65, Richards, TX, Substantial damage. Blown into a tree on approach to Private strip. Was trying to land in a strong tailwind. Downdraft a possibility.

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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