# NTSB NYC84LA325: Piper J-3, N7456H, Durham, CT, September 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1984, 14:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Durham, CT
- Location: 41.4689° N, 72.6845° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Durham, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4689&lon=-72.6845&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35776
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA325
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35776/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA325

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - uphill (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - not performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object

## Analysis

THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A GRASS STRIP. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM 270 DEGREES AT 10 KTS. THE PLT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED A CHANGE IN WIND DIRECTION AND A GUST. THE ACFT THEN VEERED AND COLLIDED WITH A STONE WALL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7456H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7456H), registered now, S/N 20722, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- 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: 20722
- Engines: LYCOMING A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Whitmarsh, William
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 7B8, WATERFORD, CT
- Airport: Maplewood Farm

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 534 total, 317 in this make and model, 476 as pilot in command, 71 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F

## 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 19840919051489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840919051489A), Sep 19, 1984: Piper J3C65, Durham, CT, Substantial damage. Ground looped during landing rollout due to variable gust of wind. Pilot reduced power to avoid stone wall impact.

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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