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NTSB Report
May 16, 1982 · Piper J3C-65 · N42799
Alabaster, AL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 16, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Alabaster, AL
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N42799
Operator
Don Smith
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL82FKJ12
DURING AN AIR SHOW, THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING SLOWLY OVER THE RUNWAY ON A SOUTHERLY HEADING AT ABOUT 200 TO 250 FT AGL. FULL LEFT RUDDER WAS APPLIED ALONG WITH FULL UP ELEVATOR AND THE PLANE ENTERED A SPIN. AFTER ONE TURN, FULL OPPOSITE RUDDER WAS APPLIED BUT THE ELEVATOR REMAINED IN THE FULL UP POSITION. THE PLANE STRUCK THE RUNWAY ON A NORTHERLY HEADING IN ABOUT A 50 DEGREE, NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURE.
Full Narrative
DURING AN AIR SHOW, THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING SLOWLY OVER THE RUNWAY ON A SOUTHERLY HEADING AT ABOUT 200 TO 250 FT AGL. FULL LEFT RUDDER WAS APPLIED ALONG WITH FULL UP ELEVATOR AND THE PLANE ENTERED A SPIN. AFTER ONE TURN, FULL OPPOSITE RUDDER WAS APPLIED BUT THE ELEVATOR REMAINED IN THE FULL UP POSITION. THE PLANE STRUCK THE RUNWAY ON A NORTHERLY HEADING IN ABOUT A 50 DEGREE, NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportShelby County (0nm N)
Runway15
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN42799
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDon Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg