# NTSB NYC07CA165: Piper J3C-65, N7088H, Uxbridge, MA, July 17, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 17, 2007, 19:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Uxbridge, MA
- Coordinates: 42.166667, -71.099998
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1667&lon=-71.1000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66201
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC07CA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66201/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07CA165

## Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

According to the pilot of the 1946 Piper J3C-65, after takeoff from his private field, the engine lost partial power approximately 100 feet above ground level.  Unable to restore takeoff power, the pilot initiated a right turn to avoid several houses, and impacted trees.  Subsequent examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical deficiencies.  The engine was then started, and ran continuously on the airframe for 4 to 5 minutes with no abnormalities noted.

## Factual narrative

According to the pilot of the 1946 Piper J3C-65, after takeoff from his private field, the engine lost partial power approximately 100 feet above ground level.  Unable to restore takeoff power, the pilot initiated a right turn to avoid several houses, and impacted trees.  Subsequent examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical deficiencies.  The engine was then started, and run continuously on the airframe for 4 to 5 minutes with no abnormalities noted.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7088H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7088H-2018-03-02), registration cancelled 2018-03-02, S/N 20338, built 1946 (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: 20338
- Airframe hours: 6117
- Engines: Continental C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David A. Lavalle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2007
- Departed: Uxbridge, MA
- Destination: Uxbridge, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2007; seat: front; flight hours: 1,100 total, 400 in this make and model, 3 in the last 90 days, 0 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observed at: KSFZ, 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 20070717018109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070717018109A), Jul 17, 2007: Piper J3C65, Uxbridge, MA, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft suffered power loss at approximately 100' AGL. Pilot initiated a right turn and impacted trees. No injuries, aircraft substantially damaged.…

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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