# NTSB NYC90LA212: Piper J3, N202CJ, Elliotville, ME, September 5, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1990, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Elliotville, ME
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36734
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA212
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36734/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA212

## Probable cause

A POWER LOSS FOR UNKNOWN REASONS OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - intentional, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT TOOK OFF IN A FLOAT EQUIPPED PIPER J3. HE REPORTED A POWERLOSS AT 150 FT AGL AND SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE LAKE. HE LANDED IN A WOODED AREA, STRUCK A TREE, AND THE AIRPLANE SLID TO THE BASE. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY A POST CRASH FIRE. ON SCENE EXAMINATION BY THE FAA DID NOT REVEAL THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED POWER LOSS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N202CJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N202CJ-1991-05-23), registration cancelled 1991-05-23, S/N 20269 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20269
- Airframe hours: 825
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lloyd G. Kelley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1990, 15 hours before
- Destination: MONSON, ME
- Airport: NONE, Greenwood Pond

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 77 total, 15 in this make and model, 15 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19900905041629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900905041629A), Sep 5, 1990: Piper STCJ3, Elliotville, ME, Destroyed. Crashed into trees and burned after a water takeoff. Reported power loss . No defects found.

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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