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NTSB Report
September 13, 1988 · Piper J3C-65 · N3533N
Goodman, MO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Goodman, MO
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N3533N
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC88FA171
THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED HIGH ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE AND A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE DURING CRUISE. HE ELECTED TO EXECUTE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD AND CONTACTED POWER LINES DURING THE APPROACH TO THE FIELD. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE COULD NOT SEE THE POWER LINES DUE TO THE BRIGHT SUN. TEARDOWN AND EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE CONFIRMED PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND THE ENGINE LUBRICATING SYSTEM.
NTSB Probable Cause
ENGINE IGNITION AND LUBRICATION PROBLEMS WHICH RESULTED IN THE PILOT'S ELECTION TO EXECUTE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO SEE AND AVOID POWER LINES IN HIS APPROACH PATH DUE TO BRIGHT SUNSHINE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED HIGH ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE AND A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE DURING CRUISE. HE ELECTED TO EXECUTE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD AND CONTACTED POWER LINES DURING THE APPROACH TO THE FIELD. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE COULD NOT SEE THE POWER LINES DUE TO THE BRIGHT SUN. TEARDOWN AND EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE CONFIRMED PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND THE ENGINE LUBRICATING SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN3533N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-65-8FJ · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:30
Weather SourceWFAC