# NTSB MIA93LA097: Piper J3C-65, N2218M, Bartow, FL, April 10, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 10, 1993, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Bartow, FL
- Coordinates: 27.890213, -81.840202 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.8902&lon=-81.8402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 17, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33250
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA93LA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33250/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA93LA097

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. THE DOWNDRAFT WAS A FACTOR.

## 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 - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

WHILE ON APPROACH TO LAND TO THE SOUTH, THE AIRPLANE WAS 5 TO 10 FT ABOVE THE WATER ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE LAKE NEAR THE SHORE IN A RT WING LOW ATTITUDE, DUE TO A CROSSWIND FROM THE RT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AND DESCENDED. THE RT FLOAT IMPACTED THE WATER & THE ACFT THEN CAME TO REST IN 4 FT OF WATER. BOTH OCCUPANTS EXITED THE ACFT. THE PLT FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO AIRFRAME OR ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2218M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C-65
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21010
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Central Fl Float Flyers, Inc.
- Registered owner: Central Fl Float Flyers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 600 total, 13 in this make and model, 500 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAL, 9 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 19930410008919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930410008919A), Apr 10, 1993: Piper J3C65, Bartow, FL, Substantial damage. Dragged a wing in the water during crosswind landing on lake. Flipped over. Pilot blamed a crosswind downdraft.

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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