# NTSB LAX87LA269: Piper J-3, N42507, Buckeye, AZ, July 16, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1987, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Buckeye, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.380836, -112.550125 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3808&lon=-112.5501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25638
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA269
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25638/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA269

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACDNT OCCURRED AS THE PLT WAS MANEUVERING TO LAND ON A PVT AIRSTRIP LOCATED ON A RANCH. HE RPRTD THAT WHILE IN A RIGHT TURN TOWARD THE RWY, THE ACFT STALLED & FELL TO THE GROUND. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS EVIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N42507](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N42507-2012-11-21), registration cancelled 2012-11-21, S/N 14779, built 1945 (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: 14779
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-B 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David R. Hardesty
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 31, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 380 total, 18 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), 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 19870716038849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870716038849A), Jul 16, 1987: Piper J3C65, Buckeye, AZ, Substantial damage. Stalled while maneuvering in traffic pattern to check for cattle on the runway. Aircraft fell to the ground.

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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