# NTSB NYC86LA020: Piper PA-15, N4499H, Lee Center, NY, October 26, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 26, 1985, 07:00 local (11:00 UTC)
- Place: Lee Center, NY
- Coordinates: 43.299625, -75.510726 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2996&lon=-75.5107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30254
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30254/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - horizontal stabilizer attachment - fatigue (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing

## Analysis

THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING AN APCH TO THE PLT'S PVT AIRSTRIP. AFTER A PLEASURE FLT OF ONE-HALF HOUR, WITH NO REPORTED PROBLEMS THE ACFT RETURNED TO THE ARPT. ON ABOUT A ONE-HALF MILE FINAL, THE ACFT ENTERED A STEEP LEFT TURN AT ABOUT A 60 DEGREE BANK. THE PLT TRIED TO CORRECT WITH FULL RIGHT AILERON AND RIGHT RUDDER. REDUCING THE BANK ANGLE TO ABOUT 15 DEGREES. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD. THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A GUARD RAIL, SPINNING THE ACFT INTO A DITCH. THE PLT REPORTED, AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THAT THE RIGHT LOWER TAIL BRACE WIRE ATTACH FITTING, PIPER P/N 10075-04, HAD FAILED. HE ALSO REPORTED A PRE-EXISTING CRACK WAS FOUND IN THE FITTING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4499H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4499H), registered now, S/N 15-290, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-15
- Registry model: [Piper PA-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-15) (registry code 7101502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-145B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-145b-series) (registry code 41502, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15-290
- Airframe hours: 1600
- Engines: LYCOMING O-145-B2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John Wilczak, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1984

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total, 700 in this make and model, 75 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19851026054129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851026054129A), Oct 26, 1985: Piper PA15, Lee Center, NY, Substantial damage. Developed an unprompted steep turn on final. Struck guard rail during landing. Tail brace wire fitting had broken.

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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