# NTSB LAX86LA023: Piper J3, N33461, Green Valley, AZ, October 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1985, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Green Valley, AZ
- Coordinates: 31.80994, -110.920051 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8099&lon=-110.9201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25004
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25004/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA023

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - throttle/power lever,bellcrank - disconnected (cause)
- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

ON OCT 24, 1985, A PIPER J3 CUB,N33461, MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN ROUGH, OPEN TERRAIN NEAR GREEN VALLEY, AZ. AFTER EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE AC SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE PVT PLT WAS NOT INJURED. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE THROTTLE HANDLE TO THE LINKAGE TUBE SEPARATED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS AT IDLE POWER LEAVING THE PLT WITH NO CONTROL OVER THE ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N33461](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N33461), registered now, S/N 5970, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- Registry model: [Piper J3F-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3f-65) (registry code 7100536) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 4AC176B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-4ac176b-series) (registry code 27006, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5970
- Airframe hours: 2493
- Engines: FRANKLIN 4AC-176B2 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nyla A. Tarpley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1985

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 420 total, 24 in this make and model, 54 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19851024054079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851024054079A), Oct 24, 1985: Piper J3F65, Grass Valley, AZ, Substantial damage. Struck post in a rough field after throttle handle separated from linkage tube in flight.

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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