# NTSB NYC92LA019: Piper J3C-65, N70548, Manchester, VT, October 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 26, 1991, 16:48 local (20:48 UTC)
- Place: Manchester, VT
- Location: 43.1542° N, 73.0625° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Manchester, VT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.1542&lon=-73.0625&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37100
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37100/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA019

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, climb
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lubricating system,oil filler cap - open
  - powerplant - smoke
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS FLYING AT CRUISE ALTITUDE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, HE MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AND FOUND THE OIL CAP WAS 'LOOSE'. HE SAID HE TIGHTENED THE CAP AND CHECKED THE OIL. JUST AFTER TAKING OFF AGAIN AT ABOUT 200 FEET THE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE AGAIN. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD, BUT WAS TOO LOW TO MAKE THE INTENDED LANDING SITE AND STRUCK TREES DURING THE DESCENT. THE FAA EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE AND FOUND THE OIL CAP OPEN. THE FAA REINSTALLED THE CAP, FOUND NO DISCREPANCIES WITH THE SEAL, AND SAID THE CAP '..HAD A POSITIVE LOCK'. THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 85 FLIGHT HOURS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70548](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70548), registered now, S/N 17557 (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: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17557
- Airframe hours: 3903
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard J. Bouey
- Registered owner: Richard J. Bouey
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 13, 1991, 26 hours before
- Departed: BO1, GRANVILLE, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 85 total, 34 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 72 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °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 19911026048109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911026048109A), Oct 26, 1991: Piper J3C65, Manchester, VT, Substantial damage. Oil on windscreen. Struck trees trying for precautionary landing. Found oil filler cap not secured.

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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