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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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September 26, 1986 · Piper TG8-J3C-65 · N27047

Apex, NC

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Apex, NC
Aircraft
Piper TG8-J3C-65
Tail Number
N27047
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL86FA266

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS IN HIS NEWLY ACQUIRED J3 AT A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WHEN THE ENG SPUTTERED AND THEN QUIT. THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND HIT A 'T' HANGER PRIOR TO HITTING THE GROUND. THE ACFT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED, DAMAGING THE HANGER IN THE PROCESS. A WITNESS TO EARLIER PORTIONS OF THE FLT STATED THAT THE PLT WAS MAKING AN APPROACH IN ONE DIRECTION AND A TAKEOFF IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SUCH THAT CARBURETOR ICE COULD FORM EASILY DURING THE LOW POWER PHASE OF EACH FLIGHT. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT REPORTED OR AVAILABLE.

Full Narrative

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS IN HIS NEWLY ACQUIRED J3 AT A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WHEN THE ENG SPUTTERED AND THEN QUIT. THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND HIT A 'T' HANGER PRIOR TO HITTING THE GROUND. THE ACFT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED, DAMAGING THE HANGER IN THE PROCESS. A WITNESS TO EARLIER PORTIONS OF THE FLT STATED THAT THE PLT WAS MAKING AN APPROACH IN ONE DIRECTION AND A TAKEOFF IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SUCH THAT CARBURETOR ICE COULD FORM EASILY DURING THE LOW POWER PHASE OF EACH FLIGHT. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT REPORTED OR AVAILABLE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EDT
Nearest AirportDeck Airpark (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length1850 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper TG8-J3C-65
Tail NumberN27047
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data