# NTSB NYC88LA007: Piper J3, N92440, Island Falls, ME, October 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 14, 1987, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Island Falls, ME
- Location: 46.0087° N, 68.2639° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Island Falls, ME, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.0087&lon=-68.2639&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36031
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36031/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA007

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,drain - missing (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - leak (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PIPER J-3 CUB EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS WHILE CRUISING AT AN ALTITUDE DESCRIBED BY WITNESSES AS JUST ABOVE THE TREES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED AND THE PILOT WAS FATALLY INJURED. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED THAT THAT FUEL DRAIN VALVE ON THE FUEL GASCOLATOR WAS MISSING. IN ADDITION NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL WAS FOUND ON THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N92440](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N92440-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 16907, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- 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: 16907
- Airframe hours: 5720
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C90-8F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Millard W.Ireland
- Registered owner: Millard W. Ireland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 25, 1987, 93 hours before
- Departed: SHERMAN, ME

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,300 total, 1,700 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19871014059629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871014059629A), Oct 14, 1987: Piper J3C65, Island Falls, ME, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Corroded fuel drain valve came off and fuel was depleted while flying near tree tops. Struck a tree and crashed.

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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