# NTSB LAX82DA092: Piper J3F-65, N38857, Chandler, AZ, March 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1982, 13:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Chandler, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.320461, -111.869735 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3205&lon=-111.8697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 2, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70185
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70185/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA092

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - propeller system/accessories - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - level off - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A DOWNWIND LEG OF THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, THE PILOT NOTICED A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE AS IF THE ENGINE WAS COMING APART. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPM BECAME VERY HIGH. HE ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER FOR A LANDING ON THE RUNWAY BUT ENTERED A HIGH SINK RATE. THE PILOT THEN REALIZED THAT HE WOULD BE UNABLE TO REACH THE RUNWAY AND ELECTED TO LAND BESIDE A ROAD. HE WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP THE SINK RATE WHILE FLARING TO LAND. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN HARD, THE GEAR COLLAPSED, AND THE FUSELAGE FAILED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PROPELLER WAS FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF THE DOWNWIND LEG WHERE IT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. THE PROPELLER HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMOVED FROM THE AIRCRAFT WHILE IT WAS IN STORAGE TO PREVENT THE PLANE FROM BEING STOLEN. THE PILOT BELIEVED THAT THE PROPELLER WAS IMPROPERLY SECURED WHEN REINSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38857](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N38857), registered now, S/N 7345, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3F-65
- Registry model: [Piper J3F-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3f-65) (registry code 7100536) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A-65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-65-series) (registry code 17324, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7345
- Engines: FRANKLIN 4AC-176BA2 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Milton C Leshe
- Registered owner: Milton C Leshe
- Departed: P19, CHANDLER, AZ
- Destination: P19, CHANDLER, AZ
- Airport: P19, Stellar Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,310 total, 5 in this make and model, 2,310 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 167 °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 19820302002349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820302002349A), Mar 2, 1982: Piper J3F65, Chandler, AZ, Substantial damage. Aircraft crashed during emergency landing after prop came off in midair.

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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