# NTSB MKC90FA038: Piper J3C-65, N6874H, Lynch, NE, December 17, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 17, 1989, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Lynch, NE
- Coordinates: 42.829319, -98.460784 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8293&lon=-98.4608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34878
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90FA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34878/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90FA038

## Probable cause

AIRSPEED WAS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT RESULTING IN A STALL/SPIN.

## 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
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OCCUPYING REAR SEAT AND THE PASSENGER OCCUPYING FRONT SEAT TOOK OFF FROM A FARM STRIP NEAR LYNCH, NEBRASKA. AFTER COMPLETING A TOUCH AND GO LANDING, THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND ONE MILE WEST OF LYNCH. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF SYSTEM OR POWER PLANT MALFUNCTION. THE PROPELLER EXHIBITED EVIDENCE OF POWER AT IMPACT. NO MEDICAL OR TOXICOLOGICAL FACTORS WERE IDENTIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6874H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6874H), registered now, S/N 20088 (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: 20085
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frank Pfeifer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 800 total, 800 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 9 °F, dew point 1 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SWO, 27 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 19891217051359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891217051359A), Dec 17, 1989: Piper J3C65, Lynch, NE, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled,crashed and burned during takeoff climb from a ski touch and go landing in a snow covered farm field.

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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