Piper J3C-65 N29832
26 June 1999 · Dawson, Maryland, United States · Serious injuries
Summary
On 26 June 1999 at about 16:30 local time, a Piper J3C-65 registered N29832 was involved in an accident near Dawson, Maryland, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.
The record
- Date
- at 16:30
- Classification
- Accident
- Location
- Dawson, Maryland, United States
- Nearest airport
- High Rock Airport (NONE)
- Coordinates
- 39.5291, -78.8799
- Aircraft
- Piper J3C-65
- Registration
- N29832
- Category
- Airplane
- Engines
- 1
- Operator
- Not recorded
- Operating rule
- Part 91: General Aviation
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
- Phase of flight
- Not recorded
- Route
- Dawson → New Castle
- Aircraft damage
- Substantial
- Weather
- VMC
- Light
- Day
- NTSB number
- NYC99FA160
People
2 people were seriously injured.
| On board | Died | Serious | Minor | Uninjured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Probable cause
was the pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors were the density altitude, and unfavorable winds.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.
Read the full NTSB narrative
Three Piper J3s, 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 carrying a pilot and passenger, tried to follow similar paths. The second airplane was at gross weight, and the pilot reported he encountered descending air which drove him down into the trees. The pilot reported no engine or airplane problems. The airplane was equipped with a cruise propeller which increased cruise speed and decreased the airplane's rate of climb. The pilots had been briefed on alternate departure routes that would not have required 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.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.
Other Piper J3C accidents
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aug 1999 | Piper J3C-65 | Frederick, Maryland, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 19 Jun 1999 | Piper J3C-65 | Elko, Nevada, United States | Arthur Schwandt | No injuries | - |
| 30 Jul 1999 | Piper J3C-65 | Sanger, Texas, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 26 Jun 1999 | Piper J3C-85 | Dawson, Maryland, United States | - | Fatal | 1 |
| 1 Mar 1999 | Piper J3C-65 | Denton, Texas, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 4 May 1999 | Piper J3C-65 | Fort Collins, Colorado, United States | The Pilot Center | No injuries | - |
Other accidents in this area
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Dec 1999 | Cessna TR 182 | Clarksville, Maryland, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 16 May 1999 | Cessna 182K | Baltimore, Maryland, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 19 Sep 1999 | Boeing Stearman PT17 | Westminister, Maryland, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 31 Mar 1999 | Cessna 150 | Leonardtown, Maryland, United States | Piedmont Flight Center | No injuries | - |
| 21 Jun 1999 | Cessna 182Q | Rising Sun, Maryland, United States | - | Serious injuries | - |
| 6 Nov 1999 | Cessna 152 | Rising Sun, Maryland, United States | Raintree Corportation | No injuries | - |