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NTSB Report
July 4, 1986 · Piper J-3 · N40660
Ashland, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ashland, MT
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N40660
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN86LA188
PLT DID NOT POSSESS A PLT CERTIFICATE OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. THE PLT STATED THAT HE FUELED THE ACFT WITH THE 'LAST GAS IN THE STORAGE TANK.' THE PLT PREFLIGHTED THE ACFT AND TOOK OFF. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT EXECUTED A LANDING IN AN ALFALFA FIELD AND STRUCK AN IRREGATION DITCH. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE PLT STATED IN THE NTSB ACCIDENT REPORT THAT 'THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY CHANGING FILTER ON BULK TANK AND LETTING WATER SETTLE IN TANK BEFORE DRAINING SUMP AND GASCOLATOR'.
Full Narrative
PLT DID NOT POSSESS A PLT CERTIFICATE OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. THE PLT STATED THAT HE FUELED THE ACFT WITH THE 'LAST GAS IN THE STORAGE TANK.' THE PLT PREFLIGHTED THE ACFT AND TOOK OFF. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT EXECUTED A LANDING IN AN ALFALFA FIELD AND STRUCK AN IRREGATION DITCH. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE PLT STATED IN THE NTSB ACCIDENT REPORT THAT 'THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY CHANGING FILTER ON BULK TANK AND LETTING WATER SETTLE IN TANK BEFORE DRAINING SUMP AND GASCOLATOR'.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:10 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN40660
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-8 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO