# NTSB MIA85LA035: Piper J3C-65, N77517, Stuart, FL, November 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1984, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Stuart, FL
- Coordinates: 26.719966, -80.069869 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7200&lon=-80.0699&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31318
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31318/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA035

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - throttle/power lever,cable - loose (cause)
  - throttle/power control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - throttle/power lever,linkage - previous damage
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels down landing in water - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

ACFT WAS FLYING AT LOW LEVEL OVER WATER TO FILM A TV COMMERCIAL. PLT PUSHED THROTTLE IN FOR ADDITIONAL PWR BUT ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. FULL THROTTLE WAS APPLIED WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE ENG. PLT STATED THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT PWR TO MAINTAIN LEVEL FLT. PLT DITCHED ACFT, ACFT SANK. POST CRASH EXAM REVEALED ADEL CLAMP ON THROTTLE CABLE WAS LOOSE WHICH CAUSED THE CABLE TO FLEX WITHOUT MOVING THROTTLE ARM ON THE CARB.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N77517](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N77517), registered now, S/N 22009, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C-65
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22009
- Airframe hours: 1719
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Jack Brown Seaplane Base
- Registered owner: Goodie Barn Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 8, 1984, 64 hours before
- Departed: SUA, STUART, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine sea, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 13,570 total, 200 in this make and model, 13,130 as pilot in command, 78 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: URB, 40 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 19841116064629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841116064629A), Nov 16, 1984: Piper J3C65, Stuart, FL, Substantial damage. Low level photography over ocean. Clamp would not hold throttle cable, disabling throttle. Wrong clamp. Ditched.

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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