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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 2, 1995 · Piper J3-C65 · N70234

Bayport, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Bayport, NY
Aircraft
Piper J3-C65
Tail Number
N70234
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO95LA039

DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST TOTAL POWER. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A FUEL TRUCK AND BRICK HANGAR WHILE BEING MANEUVERED BACK TO THE DEPARTED RUNWAY. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE'S GASCOLATOR AND FUEL LINES. THE AIRPLANE'S THREE FUEL TANKS WERE BREACHED DURING THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES AT THE AIRPORT STATED THAT THEY SAW THE PILOT 'TOP OFF' THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. NO OTHER AIRFRAME OR ENGINE ANOMALIES WERE NOTED.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE FUEL SELECTOR.

Full Narrative

On April 2, 1995, at 1336 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-J3-C65, N70234, lost total engine power during takeoff climb from runway 18 at the Bayport Aerodrome, Bayport, New York. The airplane struck a fuel truck and hangar while being maneuvered back to the departed runway. The non certificated pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Inspector, the pilot reported that during initial climb, about 200 to 300 feet above the ground, the airplane's engine "coughed" and then lost total power. The pilot reported he turned the airplane 180 degrees back toward the departed runway and during the maneuver the airplane's right wing impacted a fuel truck. The airplane impacted the fuel truck and continued into a brick hangar. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the fuel flow selector valve was in the OFF position. Fuel was found in the engine's gascolator and throughout the engine fuel lines. The airplane's three fuel tanks were breached during the accident. Witnesses at the airport reported to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that the pilot "...topped off the airplane..." prior to the accident flight. No other airframe or engine anomalies were noted. The pilot received a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, Form 6120.1/2, but did not complete and return it to the Safety Board.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:36 EDT
Nearest AirportBAYPORT (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2740 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3-C65
Tail NumberN70234
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 5300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 16 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data