# NTSB SEA87LA033: Piper J-3, N6849H, Waitsburg, WA, November 25, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 25, 1986, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Waitsburg, WA
- Coordinates: 46.219436, -118.150733 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.2194&lon=-118.1507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40573
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40573/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA033

## Analysis

THE PILOT ELECTED TO CIRCLE COYOTES AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE. DURING THE SECOND TURN THE AIRCRAFT FELT MUSHY. THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT WING TIP STRUCK THE GROUND FOLLOWED BY THE AIRCRAFT STRIKING THE GROUND HARD AND FLAT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6849H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6849H), registered now, S/N 20071, 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 C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20071
- Airframe hours: 7218
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dan Bickelhaupt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 4, 1986, 51 hours before
- Departed: HUNTSVILLE, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 302 total, 181 in this make and model, 264 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F

## Other investigations on N6849H (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB UNK64X2258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X2258), Jun 13, 1964: Piper J3C (N6849H), Hartline, WA, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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