# NTSB MIA87LA140: Piper J3C-65, N33592, Zellwood, FL, April 19, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1987, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Zellwood, FL
- Coordinates: 28.729597, -81.600799 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.7296&lon=-81.6008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31898
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA140
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31898/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA140

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, taxi - from landing
  - rudder - improper use of, copilot/second pilot (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, copilot/second pilot (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, copilot/second pilot (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, taxi - from landing
  - terrain condition - ditch
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER LANDING HE ALLOWED THE COPLT TO TAXI THE ACFT THOUGH HE FOLLOWED HIM THROUGH ON THE CONTROLS DUE TO HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE ON TAILWHEEL ACFT. THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY AND BEFORE CONTROL COULD BE RE-ESTABLISHED BY THE PLT, TAXIED INTO A DITCH. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD HE CONCENTRATED MORE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N33592](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N33592), registered now, S/N 14069, built 1945 (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&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14069
- Airframe hours: 2749
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Orlando Country Airport
- Registered owner: Orlando Country Airport
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 27, 1987, 20 hours before
- Departed: X04, PLYMOUTH, FL
- Airport: 81X, Potter Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 160 total, 8 in this make and model, 123 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ORL, 18 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 19870419010209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870419010209A), Apr 19, 1987: Piper J3C65, Zellwood, FL, Substantial damage. The aircraft veered off the runway during back taxi. PIC was letting other pilot taxi when he lost control.

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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