# NTSB MIA84LA102: Piper J-3, N88168, Indian Beach, FL, March 10, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 10, 1984, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Indian Beach, FL
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31092
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA84LA102
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31092/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA102

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, descent
  - throttle/power lever,cable - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- Ditching, landing

## Analysis

DURING A BANNER TOWING OPERATION, THE PLT DESCENDED FROM 1200 FT TO 500 TO TOW OVER WATER NEAR A BEACH. WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE TO LEVEL OFF THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO THROTTLE MOVEMENT. THE ENG CONTINUED OPERATING AT ABOUT 1500 RPM. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE DITCHED THE ACFT ABOUT 80 YDS FROM THE SHORE. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A CLAMP, HOLDING THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO THE THROTTLE, HAD COME LOOSE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N88168 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15785
- Airframe hours: 3500
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas Merrifield, doing business as Advertising Air Force
- Registered owner: Thomas Merrifield
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: SPG, CLEARWATER, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 12,161 total, 2,979 in this make and model, 10,161 as pilot in command, 2,657 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIE, 10 nm away

## 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 19840310043439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840310043439A), Mar 10, 1984: Piper STCJ3, Indian Rocks Be, FL, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing after mechanical linkage to throttle vibrated loose causing loss of power.

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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