# NTSB NYC92LA163: Piper J-3, N87945, Portsmouth, OH, August 12, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1992, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Portsmouth, OH
- Coordinates: 38.749923, -82.94947 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7499&lon=-82.9495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37207
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37207/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA163

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER LEADING EDGE AS THE RESULT OF CORROSION AND THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories,leading edge cap - corroded (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,leading edge cap - delamination (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID, 'WE WERE AT 2500 FEET MEAN SEA LEVEL.  ALL OF A SUDDEN WE STARTED EXPERIENCING A VERY VIOLENT VIBRATION....IT WAS VIBRATING SO BADLY I WAS AFRAID IT WAS GOING TO SHAKE THE ENGINE OFF THE AIRPLANE....I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF.'  HE MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD WITH HIGH VEGITATION.  THE FAA REPORT SAID, '...THE ENGINE VIBRATION WAS DUE TO WOOD PROPELLER DELAMINATION OVER ONE BLADE LEADING EDGE AND TIP. TRACES OF RUST WERE FOUND ON THE WOOD WHERE THE METAL INLAY WAS ATTACHED WITH STEEL SCREWS TO THE WOOD.'  THE PROPELLER MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT STEEL SCREWS ARE USED TO SECURE THE LEADING EDGE TO THE WOOD BLADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87945](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N87945), registered now, S/N 15563, 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: 15563
- Airframe hours: 2290
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kyle W. Knore
- Registered owner: Kyle W. Knore
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 28, 1991, 6 hours before
- Departed: MINFORD, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 325 total, 107 in this make and model, 276 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 10 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 19920812031519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920812031519A), Aug 12, 1992: Piper J3C65, Portsmouth, OH, Substantial damage. Severe vibration. Shut down engine. Wing hit bush on forced landing spun aircraft. Hit tail first. Prop delaminated

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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