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NTSB Report
March 10, 1984 · Piper J-3 · N88168
Indian Beach, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 10, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Indian Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N88168
Operator
Thomas Merrifield
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA84LA102
DURING A BANNER TOWING OPERATION, THE PLT DESCENDED FROM 1200 FT TO 500 TO TOW OVER WATER NEAR A BEACH. WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE TO LEVEL OFF THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO THROTTLE MOVEMENT. THE ENG CONTINUED OPERATING AT ABOUT 1500 RPM. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE DITCHED THE ACFT ABOUT 80 YDS FROM THE SHORE. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A CLAMP, HOLDING THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO THE THROTTLE, HAD COME LOOSE.
Full Narrative
DURING A BANNER TOWING OPERATION, THE PLT DESCENDED FROM 1200 FT TO 500 TO TOW OVER WATER NEAR A BEACH. WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE TO LEVEL OFF THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO THROTTLE MOVEMENT. THE ENG CONTINUED OPERATING AT ABOUT 1500 RPM. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE DITCHED THE ACFT ABOUT 80 YDS FROM THE SHORE. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A CLAMP, HOLDING THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO THE THROTTLE, HAD COME LOOSE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN88168
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThomas Merrifield
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:47
Weather SourceWFAC