# NTSB NYC99FA161: Piper J3C-85, N1548N, Dawson, MD, June 26, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1999, 12:31 local (16:31 UTC)
- Place: Dawson, MD
- Coordinates: 39.529312, -78.87976 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5293&lon=-78.8798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 46667
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC99FA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46667/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA161

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance.  Factors were the density altitude, downdraft, and the pilot's decision to operate at a weight in excess of the maximum allowable gross weight.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude/clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

Three Piper J3 Cubs departed an airport in a valley with higher terrain nearby, and a density altitude of about 3,000 feet.  Each airplane turned toward rising terrain, consisting of lower finger ridges and canyons, and a higher main ridge.  The first airplane carrying only a pilot climbed faster than the terrain, and turned downwind.  The second and third airplanes each carried a pilot and passenger and tried to follow similar paths.  The pilot of the third airplane, which was operated about 100 pounds (9%) over gross weight, reported he watched the second airplane descend into trees.  After overflying the second airplane, he encountered descending air which drove him into the trees.  The pilot reported no problems with the airplane or engine.  The pilots were briefed on alternate departure routes that would not require an immediate climb over rising terrain, but they were not used.  FAA publications advised of the need to download weight when operating with higher density altitudes, and to approach ridgelines at a 45 degree angle to allow for escape in case of turbulence or descending air.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1548N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1548N), registered now, S/N 23081, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper J3C-85
- 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: 23081
- Airframe hours: 4029
- Engines: Continental C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Samuel A. Lyons
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 27, 1998, 130 hours before
- Departed: NONE, DAWSON, MD
- Destination: VA85, NEW CASTLE, VA
- Airport: NONE, High Rock Airport, runway 2, 1,700 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 550 total, 130 in this make and model, 40 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19990626007599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990626007599A), Jun 26, 1999: Piper J3C65, Dawson, MD, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Acft was the 2nd of 3 Piper PA-J3 cub acft to take-off and witnessed N29832 (the 3rd of the 3 acft) stall and crash, N1548N circled around to see N29832, and…

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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