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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

May 31, 1987 · Piper J-3 · N38346

Mercer, PA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mercer, PA
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N38346
Operator
David M Price
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC87LA157

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED FROM RUNWAY 27 UPHILL WITH THE WIND AT 180 DEGREES IN UNCUT GRASS. THERE WERE TREES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE LOST LIFT AS HE APPROACHED THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.

Full Narrative

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED FROM RUNWAY 27 UPHILL WITH THE WIND AT 180 DEGREES IN UNCUT GRASS. THERE WERE TREES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE LOST LIFT AS HE APPROACHED THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EDT
Nearest AirportNelson'S Run (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width250 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN38346
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid M Price
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data