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NTSB Report
October 26, 1991 · Piper J3C-65 · N70548
Manchester, VT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 26, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Manchester, VT
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N70548
Operator
Richard J Bouey
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC92LA019
THE PILOT WAS FLYING AT CRUISE ALTITUDE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, HE MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AND FOUND THE OIL CAP WAS 'LOOSE'. HE SAID HE TIGHTENED THE CAP AND CHECKED THE OIL. JUST AFTER TAKING OFF AGAIN AT ABOUT 200 FEET THE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE AGAIN. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD, BUT WAS TOO LOW TO MAKE THE INTENDED LANDING SITE AND STRUCK TREES DURING THE DESCENT. THE FAA EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE AND FOUND THE OIL CAP OPEN. THE FAA REINSTALLED THE CAP, FOUND NO DISCREPANCIES WITH THE SEAL, AND SAID THE CAP '..HAD A POSITIVE LOCK'. THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 85 FLIGHT HOURS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS FLYING AT CRUISE ALTITUDE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, HE MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AND FOUND THE OIL CAP WAS 'LOOSE'. HE SAID HE TIGHTENED THE CAP AND CHECKED THE OIL. JUST AFTER TAKING OFF AGAIN AT ABOUT 200 FEET THE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE AGAIN. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD, BUT WAS TOO LOW TO MAKE THE INTENDED LANDING SITE AND STRUCK TREES DURING THE DESCENT. THE FAA EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE AND FOUND THE OIL CAP OPEN. THE FAA REINSTALLED THE CAP, FOUND NO DISCREPANCIES WITH THE SEAL, AND SAID THE CAP '..HAD A POSITIVE LOCK'. THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 85 FLIGHT HOURS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:48 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN70548
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard J Bouey
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90 · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO