# NTSB NYC85LA237: Piper J-3, N41440, Chenango Bridge, NY, September 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1985, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Chenango Bridge, NY
- Location: 42.1714° N, 75.8577° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Chenango Bridge, NY, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1714&lon=-75.8577&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35966
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA237
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35966/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA237

## 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)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PAX AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED TO ABOUT 300 FEET. THE PILOT THEN MADE A RIGHT TURN. DURING THE TURN THE PILOT YELLED OUT 'WE'RE LOSING IT, WE'RE LOSING IT.' AFTERWARDS THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDED AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE PAX DOES NOT RECALL A DECREASE IN ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT DOES NOT HAVE RECOLLECTION OF THE OCCURRENCE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION. THE CARB HT WAS FOUND IN THE ON POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N41440](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41440-2018-02-07), registration cancelled 2018-02-07, S/N 8071, built 1941 (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: 8071
- Airframe hours: 4342
- Engines: Teledyne Cont A-75 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Norman & Glenn Green
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1984, 15 hours before
- Departed: 4N2, CHENANGO BRIDGE, NY
- Airport: 4N2, Chenango Bridge

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 302 total, 32 in this make and model, 232 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BGM, 8 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 19850915044989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850915044989A), Sep 15, 1985: Piper STCJ3, Chenango Bridge, NY, Substantial damage. Made a turn after takeoff and stalled to ground. Takeoff attempted with carburetor heat on.

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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