# NTSB MIA94LA138: Piper J3C-65, N114WW, Belleair, FL, May 13, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 13, 1994, 12:10 local (16:10 UTC)
- Place: Belleair, FL
- Location: 27.9360° N, 82.8128° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Belleair, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9360&lon=-82.8128&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37544
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37544/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA138

## Probable cause

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE CRANKCASE BREATHER TUBE RESULTING IN FAILURE TO DETECT BLOCKAGE OF THE TUBE.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - engine assembly,other - blocked(partial)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - engine assembly,crankcase - pressure excessive
  - lubricating system,oil seal - loss,partial
  - fluid,oil - loss,partial
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The pilot observed engine oil leaking onto the windshield. He dropped the aerial advertising banner he was towing on to a golf course and then performed a precautionary landing on the golf course. During landing rollout the aircraft collided with two trees. Postcrash examination of the engine indicated the front crankshaft seal was partially dislodged and causing the oil leakage. The engine crankcase breather line was found partially blocked with oil sludge and debris. No other evidence of failure or malfunction was noted in the engine.

## Factual narrative

On May 13, 1994, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N114WW, registered to Thomas W. Merrifield, collided with trees during a precautionary landing on a golf course near Belleair, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 banner towing flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot sustained minor injuries.  The flight originated at St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 13, 1994, about.

The pilot stated that about 15 minutes after takeoff the engine began to lose oil. He released the banner and initiated a descent to land on a golf course with the windshield covered by oil. After touchdown he observed a ditch ahead and added power to clear it. He was then unable to stop before colliding with trees.

Postcrash examination of the engine by FAA inspectors indicated the engine front crankshaft seal was partially dislodged causing the oil leakage. The engine case breather line was found partially blocked by oil sludge and debris. No other evidence of failure or malfunction was noted.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N114WW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N114WW-2009-04-22), registration cancelled 2009-04-22, S/N 17908 (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: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17908
- Airframe hours: 8660
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas W. Merrifield
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 9, 1994, 90 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 4,500 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 4,400 as pilot in command, 331 in the last 90 days, 98 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SPG, 15 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 19940513010749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940513010749A), May 13, 1994: Piper STCJ3, Belleair, FL, Substantial damage. Oil on windshield towing banner. Dropped banner. Hit trees landing. Front crankshaft seal leak. Breather blocked.

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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