# NTSB NYC88LA113: Piper J-3, N7170H, Downingtown, PA, March 28, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1988, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Downingtown, PA
- Coordinates: 39.999958, -75.700569 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0000&lon=-75.7006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 29, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36122
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36122/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA113

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear - separation
- Nose over, landing

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PERFORMING TOUCH AND GO WHEEL LANDINGS. DURING AN APPROACH THE PILOT CAME IN TOO LOW AND THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR IMPACTED AN ELECTRIC POWER POLE. THE PILOT LANDED THE AIRCRAFT ON A GRASS STRIP WITH ONLY THE LEFT MAIN GEAR THEN FLIPPED INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7170H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7170H), registered now, S/N 20427, 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: 20427
- Airframe hours: 5800
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael L. Shannon
- Registered owner: Shannon Aviation Corp
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: N25, Shannon, runway 20, 2,653 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 9,100 total, 395 in this make and model, 8,052 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °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 19880328070019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880328070019A), Mar 28, 1988: Piper J3C65, Downingtown, PA, Substantial damage. Severed the right main gear on landing approach when aircraft struck a powerline. Landed on runway and nosed over.

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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