# NTSB LAX86LA264: Piper J-3, N21677, Columbia, CA, June 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1986, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, CA
- Coordinates: 38.109046, -120.380348 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1090&lon=-120.3803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25192
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA264
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25192/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA264

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,normal brake system - jammed (cause)
  - proper alignment - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - misc eqpt/furnishings - incorrect (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - landing gear,normal brake system - locked (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED OVER IN SOFT GROUND DURING LANDING ROLL AFTER VEERING OFF RWY 17. THE PLT INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT BRAKE PEDAL WAS JAMMED BY 1/2 INCH CARPET THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN THE ACFT. THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RWY 17. WHEN THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE ACFT BY APPLYING LEFT BRAKE, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE PLT ALSO INDICATED THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM 230 DEG AT APRX 5 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21677](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N21677), registered now, S/N 2561, built 1938 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- 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: 2561
- Airframe hours: 1724
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: West Valley Flying Club
- Registered owner: Myron G. Forsyth
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 17, 1986, 5 hours before
- Departed: PAO, PALO ALTO, CA
- Destination: 022, COLUMBIA, CA
- Airport: 022, Columbia, runway 17, 4,060 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 6,500 total, 50 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °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 19860622026429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860622026429A), Jun 22, 1986: Piper J3C65, Columbia, CA, Substantial damage. Veered off the runway into soft ground and nosed over during takeoff. Blamed new carpeting jammed brake pedal.

## Other investigations on N21677 (1)

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 LAX90LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA114), Mar 10, 1990: Piper J3 (N21677), Palo Alto, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY NOT COMPENSATING FOR CHANGING WIND CONDITIONS.

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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