# NTSB LAX93LA162: Piper J3, N30503, Buckeye, AZ, April 3, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1993, 16:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Buckeye, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.380397, -112.550666 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3804&lon=-112.5507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28360
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA162
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28360/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA162

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOK-OUT AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE WIRES. LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL (AIRPORT) AREA WAS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE NONCERTIFICATED SOLO STUDENT PILOT WAS LANDING AT AN UNFAMILIAR AIRPORT. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH, THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO SEE THE WIRES THAT TRAVERSED THE FINAL APPROACH COURSE.  THE AIRPLANE'S VERTICAL STABILIZER STRUCK THE WIRES.

## Factual narrative

On April 3, 1993, at about 1645 hours mountain standard time, a Piper J3, N30503, collided with some wires while on final approach to a privately owned dirt airstrip about 7 miles west of Buckeye, Arizona. The noncertificated student pilot was conducting a visual flight rules local solo instructional flight.  The airplane, operated by the student pilot, sustained substantial damage.  The student pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at the student pilot's privately owned airstrip at Rainbow Valley, Arizona, at about 1600 hours.

The student pilot reported in a telephone interview conducted on April l5, 1993, that the accident flight was the first time he had attempted to land at the privately owned dirt airstrip.  While on final approach to the south, he failed to see the unmarked wires that traverse the final approach course from the east to the west.

The student pilot reiterated the sequence of events stated during the telephone interview in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2.  He added, however, that the airplane's vertical stabilizer struck the wires and that there was a post-crash fire.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30503](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30503-2013-07-08), registration cancelled 2013-07-08, S/N 4880, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- 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: 4880
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas De Jong
- Registered owner: Arie De Jong
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: RAINBOW VALLEY, AZ
- Airport: Private, runway 18, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 48 total, 33 in this make and model, 32 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 39 °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 19930403007879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930403007879A), Apr 3, 1993: Piper J3C65, Buckeye, AZ, Substantial damage. Student struck unseen wires landing on a Private dirt strip. Not endorsed for landing at the Private strip.

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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