# NTSB NYC83LA002: Piper PA-12, N3849M, Bernville, PA, October 3, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 3, 1982, 07:30 local (11:30 UTC)
- Place: Bernville, PA
- Coordinates: 40.429378, -76.110855 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4294&lon=-76.1109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69933
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83LA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69933/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83LA002

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE PLANE CRASHED AFTER THE RIGHT WING TIP HIT THE TOP OF A TREE DURING LANDING. HE REPORTED THAT HE HAD FLOWN ONLY 2 HRS IN THE LAST 90 DAYS. HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS ONLY A 13 MINUTE FLIGHT. HE THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE PROFICIENT DURING THE LANDING IF HE HAD FLOWN LONGER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3849M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3849M-2012-11-14), registration cancelled 2012-11-14, S/N 12-2572, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (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: N12-2572
- Airframe hours: 898
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Elmer K. Pyle
- Registered owner: Elmer K. Pyle
- Departed: PA41, BERNVILLE, PA
- Destination: PA41, BERNVILLE, PA
- Airport: PA41, Bernville, runway 30, 1,500 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 74; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 612 total, 612 in this make and model, 445 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles

## 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 19821003050869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821003050869A), Oct 3, 1982: Piper PA12, Bernville, PA, Substantial damage. Struck tree tops on final for Private landing strip.

## Other investigations on N3849M (1)

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.

- [NTSB ANC94LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC94LA127), Jul 30, 1994: Piper PA-12 (N3849M), Eagle, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: UNDETERMINED.

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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