# NTSB NYC92FA026: Piper L-3, N6AN, Plymouth, MA, November 3, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1991, 12:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Plymouth, MA
- Location: 41.9583° N, 70.6638° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Plymouth, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9583&lon=-70.6638&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37043
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92FA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37043/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA026

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER DECISION BY THE NON-INSTRUMENT-RATED PILOT TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, AT A LOW ALTITUDE, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE WATER.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE OVERCONFIDENCE OF THE PILOT IN HIS ABILITY AND AN AIRPLANE WITHOUT PROPER INSTRUMENTATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - water
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD A HISTORY OF FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE AND IN WEATHER CONDITIONS EVEN THOUGH HE WAS NOT AN INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT.  A WITNESS SAW THE AIRPLANE FLYING OVER HIS BOAT AT AN ALTITUDE OF 50 FEET, INTO A FOG BANK.  THE AIRPLANE HAD LIMITED FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6AN](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6AN), registered now, S/N 10282, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER L-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: 10282
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert H. Russell
- Registered owner: Robert H. Russell
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: OWD, NORWOOD, MA
- Destination: OWD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 776 total, 350 in this make and model, 745 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 50 ft

## 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 19911103048899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911103048899A), Nov 3, 1991: Piper J3C65, Plymouth, MA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Low and slow over shoreline. Entered fog bank. Hit water left wing first and cartwheeled onto sandbar. VFR pilot.

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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