# NTSB FTW96LA163: Piper J3C-65, N7440H, Midlothain, TX, April 7, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 7, 1996, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Midlothain, TX
- Coordinates: 32.489746, -96.990432 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4897&lon=-96.9904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 25, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19797
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19797/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA163

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he had made a pass over the taxiway to drop Easter candy to children.  During a second pass to drop the remaining candy, the airplane's landing gear struck the east-west power line wires located north of the taxiway.  The airplane came to rest on its nose on the taxiway.

## Factual narrative

On April 7, 1996, at 1515 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N7440H, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91, was substantially damaged following impact with power lines near Midlothian, Texas.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed.  The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Midlothian, Texas, approximately 25 minutes before the accident.

The pilot reported that he had made a pass over the taxiway to drop Easter candy to the children.  During a second pass to drop the remaining candy, the airplane's landing gear struck the east-west power line wires located north of the taxiway.  The airplane came to rest on its nose on the taxiway.  Both wing struts were bent, the engine mount was bent, and two longerons were deformed at the landing gear attachment points.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7440H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7440H), registered now, S/N 20707, 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 A75-8](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a75-8) (registry code 17079, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20707
- Airframe hours: 2289
- Engines: Continental A-758 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Carter Dale Roberts
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 23, 1995, 13 hours before
- Departed: 2TS6
- Airport: 2TS6, Eagle'S Nest, runway 17, 3,400 × 50 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,191 total, 83 in this make and model, 1,191 as pilot in command, 56 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 54 °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 19960407006229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960407006229A), Apr 7, 1996: Piper J3C65, Midlothian, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft making low pass over airport to drop candy when it hooked its left wheel on power line and crashed. (-23) pilot was flying J3 cub and carrying easter…

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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