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NTSB investigations: Piper J3C-65, AK

59 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper J3C-65. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19642026

NTSB investigations: Piper J3C-65, AK per year, 1964–2026: 59 cases
1964	2
1965	2
1966	1
1967	3
1968	3
1969	2
1970	4
1971	4
1972	1
1973	2
1974	1
1975	1
1976	1
1977	2
1979	2
1980	1
1981	1
1982	2
1983	2
1985	2
1986	2
1987	2
1988	1
1989	1
1992	1
1993	1
1994	1
1995	1
2000	2
2004	2
2007	2
2013	1
2014	1
2021	1
2025	1

Where

Latest cases

Query with SQL

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7100510')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
  WHERE c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'AK' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7100510'))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7100510'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.

NTSB ANC25FA079Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper J3C-65 · Dillingham, AKOn July 25, 2025, about 0916 Alaska daylight time, a Piper J3C-65 airplane, N5050R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dillingham, Alaska. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…Jul 25, 2025 · N5050R · Substantial damage NTSB ANC21LA047Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Sterling, AKA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jun 28, 2021 · N98109 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC14LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3 · Ft. Yukon, AKThe pilot's improper preflight inspection and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.Sep 28, 2014 · N7092H · Substantial damage NTSB ANC14CA004Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C 65 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's decision to make contact with an unsuitable landing surface, resulting in a nose over.Oct 10, 2013 · N70604 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC07CA107Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3 · Tyonek, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in an encounter with soft terrain and a loss of control during the takeoff roll.Sep 23, 2007 · N5050R · Substantial damage NTSB ANC07LA088Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Big Lake, AKThe flight instructor's delayed instructions to apply the carburetor heat, and his inadequate supervision. A factor contributing to the accident was carburetor icing conditions.Aug 18, 2007 · N98875 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC05LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · North Pole, AKAn inadequate annual inspection by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb, and subsequent collision with trees during the ensuing emergency landing. Factors associated with the accident are a…Oct 14, 2004 · N92469 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC04CA082Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C · Palmer, AKThe pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions which resulted in an encounter with a downdraft during the takeoff/initial climb, and subsequent collision with trees and terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the presence of a downdraft,…Jul 22, 2004 · N3458N · Substantial damage NTSB ANC00LA102Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Anchorage, AKThe loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system, the airplane's lack of the required center fuel tank quick drain, and the pilot's inadequate preflight.Aug 17, 2000 · N88283 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC00LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. A factor associated with the accident was a frozen puddle.Apr 15, 2000 · N88472 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC95FA063Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Palmer, AKThe pilot's inadvertent stall. A factor in the accident was the pilot's emotional reaction to the vehicle travelling through his yard.Jun 3, 1995 · N32708 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC94LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3 · Denali Nat'L Pk, AKThe failure of the landing gear bolt attachment fitting due to fatigue.Apr 10, 1994 · N37932 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC93LA089Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-3 · Knik, AKThe improper use of the flight controls by the student pilot and inadequate supervision by the CFI pilot-in-command.Jun 12, 1993 · N91952 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC92LA112Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Cloudy Lake, AKThe pilot failed to enter an aerobatic maneuver with sufficient altitude to effect a recovery prior to ground impact.Jul 28, 1992 · N21375 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC89LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Kodiak, AKThe pilot failed to maintain directional control and inadvertently allowed the aircraft to ground loop.Aug 5, 1989 · N8726R · Substantial damage NTSB ANC89LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Eureka Lodge, AKThe pilot was attempting to land at dusk on a snow covered, unlighted private airstrip. He stated that he was attempting to land as close to the landing threshold as possible to avoid a large bump in the middle of the runway. He misjudged his approach and…Oct 3, 1988 · N98109 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC87LA145Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Kahlitna Glac, AKThe pilot stated after touchdown on the lake, he lost directional control of the aircraft causing the plane to nose over on its back and the aircraft sank in 20 to 25 feet of water.Sep 2, 1987 · N42128 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC87LA092Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Lake Creek, AKThe pilot stated he touchdowned on a gravel bar and shortly after touchdown he lost control of the aircraft causing the aircraft to nose over on its back.Jul 2, 1987 · N3691K · Substantial damage NTSB ANC86LA077Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Vogel Lake, AKAfter takeoff from a small lake the pilot stated that engine started to run rough. The pilot stalled the aircraft and crashed into the lake. Examination of the engine revealed that the number 4 cylinder primer port plug was broken.Jun 16, 1986 · N1556N · Substantial damage NTSB ANC86LA047Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Yentna River, AKThe pilot stated that the aircraft began to settle; airspeed was 60 mph. The aircraft would not recover altitude with full power. The aircraft stalled and struck tree tops.Apr 24, 1986 · N170CH · Substantial damage NTSB ANC85LA127Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Tyrone Creek, AKThe plt delayed initiating an aborted landing, and the acft rolled into water at the end of the rwy where it nosed over.Jul 6, 1985 · N38471 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC85LA116Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3/100 · Port Lions, AKThe plt lost directional control of the acft during a touch and go landing. The acft veered off the rwy and contacted boulders. The plt reported to bystanders at the accident site that it had been a long time since he had flown an acft equipped with heel…Jun 28, 1985 · N22AK · Substantial damage NTSB ANC83LA164Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Aleknagik, AKAccording to the pilot, during takeoff the right wing struck some tall brush. The pilot held no certificates or ratings but said he had about 50 or 60 hours of flight time.Sep 2, 1983 · N98172 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC83LA105Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot stated that he approached the river on final at 60 mph in a 5 degree bank to follow the curve of the water. When he dropped below trees at about 50 ft AGL the left wing stalled. He added full power and lowered the nose but the left wing hit the…Jun 27, 1983 · N87822 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC82IA067Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Near Big Lake, AKDuring cruise flight, the aircrafts engine lost power and began vibrating severly. After the pilot tried unsuccessfully to remedy the problem, he executed an emergency landing in a marsh. Shortly after touchdown the aircraft bogged down and nosed over. A…Aug 5, 1982 · N70604 · Minor damage NTSB ANC82DAG21Accident · No injuriesFinal reportPiper J3C-75 · Soldotna, AKWhile executing departure stalls the elevator locked in the full up position. After several attempts to regain control, it was found that partial control was possible in a power off descending turn. This attitude was maintained until just prior to ground…May 11, 1982 · N27006 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC81FA071Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper J3C-65 · North Pole, AKJun 23, 1981 · N7050H · Destroyed NTSB ANC80DAA07Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J-3 · Ruby, AKFeb 14, 1980 · N78507 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC80FA003Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper J-3 · Georgetown, AKOct 10, 1979 · N6254H · Destroyed NTSB ANC79DAG97Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper J-3 · Shrode Lake, AKAug 28, 1979 · N87822 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC77DAG89Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J-3 · Homer, AKJul 3, 1977 · N71081 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC77DAG66Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J-3 · Kenai, AKJun 11, 1977 · N6505H · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76AA099Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper J3C · Otto Lake, AKJun 12, 1976 · N6200H · Destroyed NTSB ANC75DAG78Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J-3 · Talkeetna, AKMar 12, 1975 · N7007H · Substantial damage NTSB ANC74DAG86Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J3C-65 · Anchorage, AKFeb 3, 1974 · N88235 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC74DAG18Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J-3 · Grizzly Lake, AKAug 12, 1973 · N98401 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC74GAG10Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J3 · Wasilla, AKJul 22, 1973 · N70656 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC72DAG12Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper JC3-65 · Anchorage, AKJun 28, 1972 · N70656 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC72DAA22Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-11 · North Pole, AKNov 7, 1971 · N6268H · Substantial damage NTSB ANC72DAG50Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper J3C-65 · Tyonek, AKSep 4, 1971 · N88330 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC72DAG03Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J3C-65 · Mcgrath, AKJun 26, 1971 · N6618H · Substantial damage NTSB ANC71AA043Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper J-3 · Port Holler, AKFeb 24, 1971 · N42249 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC71DAG55Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J-3C65 · Tyonek, AKNov 23, 1970 · N88330 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC71DAG37Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper J3C-65 · Slana, AKOct 7, 1970 · N37924 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC71AA010Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper J3C-65 · Gulkana, AKAug 9, 1970 · N3598N · Destroyed NTSB ANC71FAG01Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper J3C-65 · Palmer, AKJul 5, 1970 · N88174 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC70D0082Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J3C-65 · Kodiak, AKNov 23, 1969 · N98763 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC69D0122Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper J3C-65 · Anchorage, AKMar 31, 1969 · N88472 · Substantial damage NTSB ANC69A0024Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper J3C-85 · Anchorage, AKOct 23, 1968 · N42633 · Destroyed NTSB ANC69D0062Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper J3C · Eureka, AKJul 30, 1968 · N24846 · Substantial damage