# NTSB SEA85FA171: Piper J3-C-65, N70691, Goose Prairie, WA, July 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1985, 17:59 local (Jul 18, 1985, 00:59 UTC)
- Place: Goose Prairie, WA
- Coordinates: 46.779788, -120.880355 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.7798&lon=-120.8804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40054
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40054/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA171

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES WHILE THE PLT WAS PERFORMING LOW LEVEL PASSES OVER A BOY SCOUT CAMP. WITNESSES REPORTED THE PLT MADE THREE PASSES OVER THE CAMP AND DURING ONE OF THOSE PASSES, THE PLT DROPPED A BAG OF CANDY BARS TO THE SCOUTS. THE FOURTH, DURING WHICH THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES, WAS REPORTEDLY MADE AT A SLOW AIRSPEED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70691](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N70691-2018-01-23), registration cancelled 2018-01-23, S/N 17708, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3-C-65
- 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: 17708
- Airframe hours: 3075
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William P. Kissling
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 13, 1985, 5 hours before
- Departed: YKM, YAKIMA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total, 100 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19850717069899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850717069899A), Jul 17, 1985: Piper J3C65, Goose Prairie, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. On final low pass over boy scout camp aircraft struck trees. Had been dropping candy. Each pass at lower altitude.

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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