# NTSB FTW91FA085: Piper J3C-65, N3609K, Claremore, OK, May 25, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 25, 1991, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Claremore, OK
- Coordinates: 36.310543, -95.610359 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3105&lon=-95.6104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23263
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91FA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23263/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91FA085

## Probable cause

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (PIC) DID NOT MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES DURING THE MANEUVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Fire/explosion, other
  - fuel system,tank - ruptured

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT AND DUAL STUDENT WERE PRACTICING TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS FOR THE SPANISH FOREIGN NATIONAL'S TAIL-DRAGGER TRANSITION PRIOR TO STARTING AGRICULTURAL SPRAY SCHOOL. THEY DEPARTED THE AIRPORT AND WERE OBSERVED TO BE MANEUVERING AT LOW LEVEL APPROXIMATELY THREE STATUTE MILES TO THE SOUTHEAST. THE AIRCRAFT'S RIGHT WING LEADING EDGE STRUCK THE UPPER BRANCHES OF A 35 FOOT HIGH PECAN TREE. PORTIONS OF THE RIGHT WING AND TREE BRANCHES WERE LOCATED BELOW THE TREE AND ALONG THE FLIGHT PATH. THE FUEL TANK RUPTURED UPON GROUND IMPACT AND A POST-IMPACT FIRE CONSUMED THE AIRCRAFT. NO PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS TO THE AIRFRAME OR THE POWERPLANT WERE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3609K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3609K), registered now, S/N 22299 (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: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22299
- Airframe hours: 3446
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Sam Riggs, doing business as Sam Riggs Flying Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: Sam Riggs
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 23, 1991, 5 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,750 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 66 °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 19910525017089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910525017089A), May 25, 1991: Piper J3C65, Claremore, OK, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Struck a tree crashed and burned while maneuvering at a low altitude.

## Other investigations on N3609K (2)

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 WPR23LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA311), Aug 11, 2023: Piper J3C-65 (N3609K), Miles City, MT, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing on unimproved terrain.
- [NTSB LAX68D0355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68D0355), Mar 5, 1968: Piper J3C-65 (N3609K), Tucson, AZ, 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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