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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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April 23, 1985 · Piper J-3 · N87920

Richfield, OH

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Richfield, OH
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N87920
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85LA175

THE PLT MADE A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF USING APRX 1700 FT OF THE 2200 FT AIRSTRIP. UNABLE TO CLEAR TREES ALONG THE FLT PATH, HE TURNED TO THE RIGHT. HOWEVER, THE ACFT'S WHEEL PANTS CONTACTED A TREE WHILE THE PLANE WAS STILL BANKED TO THE RIGHT & A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF AIRSPEED WAS LOST. THE ACFT THEN BRUSHED TWO MORE TREES, LOST MORE AIRSPEED & CRASHED. ;

Full Narrative

THE PLT MADE A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF USING APRX 1700 FT OF THE 2200 FT AIRSTRIP. UNABLE TO CLEAR TREES ALONG THE FLT PATH, HE TURNED TO THE RIGHT. HOWEVER, THE ACFT'S WHEEL PANTS CONTACTED A TREE WHILE THE PLANE WAS STILL BANKED TO THE RIGHT & A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF AIRSPEED WAS LOST. THE ACFT THEN BRUSHED TWO MORE TREES, LOST MORE AIRSPEED & CRASHED. ;

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:50 EST
Nearest AirportShootz Field (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length2200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN87920
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data