# NTSB NYC87LA191: Piper J3C-65, N42138, Cape May, NJ, June 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1987, 13:19 local (17:19 UTC)
- Place: Cape May, NJ
- Location: 38.9411° N, 74.8984° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cape May, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9411&lon=-74.8984&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30686
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA191
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30686/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA191

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PIPER J3C-65 MADE AN UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AT A BANNER PICKUP AND WAS MANEUVERING AT 400 FT IN A CLIMBING LEFT TURN FOR ANOTHER PICKUP WHEN A POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A MARSH. THE PILOT REPORTED THE FUEL QUANITY GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED HIM TO EXHAUST HIS FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N42138](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N42138), registered now, S/N 14364 (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: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14364
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Paramount Air Service
- Registered owner: Paramount Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 30, 1987

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 2,609 total, 2,109 in this make and model, 2,109 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

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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