# NTSB MKC89LA151: Piper J3 "CUB", N1414N, Morrilton, AR, July 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1989, 19:25 local (Jul 4, 1989, 00:25 UTC)
- Place: Morrilton, AR
- Coordinates: 35.150161, -92.739334 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1502&lon=-92.7393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34825
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34825/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA151

## Probable cause

THE ABRUPT HANDLING OF THE AIRPLANE BY THE PILOT. HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND INADVERTANTLY STALLED AND SPUN THE AIRPLANE AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT FOR RECOVERY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - abrupt, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PIC STATED HE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM THE AIRPORT AND MADE A STEEP BANKED TURN TO THE LEFT. HE SAID THE ATTITUDE OF THE AIRPLANE IN THE TURN WAS SUCH THAT THE 'WING STALLED CAUSING THE PLANE TO ENTER A LEFT SPIN.' THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND AND THE PIC SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1414N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1414N), registered now, S/N 22936, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3 "CUB"
- 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: 22936
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Same As Pilot
- Registered owner: Kenneth R Collier
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MPJ
- Destination: MPJ
- Airport: MPJ, Petit Jean

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 540 total, 287 in this make and model, 517 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LIT, 30 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 19890703019459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890703019459A), Jul 3, 1989: Piper J3C65, Morrilton, AR, Substantial damage. Made steep turn on climbout. Aircraft stalled and entered a spin. Was too low for recovery.

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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