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NTSB Report
September 4, 1982 · Piper J-3 C65 · N98872
Durango, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 1982
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Durango, CO
Aircraft
Piper J-3 C65
Tail Number
N98872
Operator
Steven J Stonehouse
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN82DA185
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF WITH THE DOORS LATCHED OPEN, AND AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE AIRCRAFT FAILED TO EXCEED 42 MPH. HE REPORTED THAT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 150 FT WAS ATTAINED. DUE TO THE LACK OF PERFORMANCE AND FEARFUL OF OBSTRUCTIONS AHEAD, THE PILOT BEGAN A BROAD, FLAT 180 DEGREE RETURN TO THE FIELD. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND STRUCK THE GROUND. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS ABOUT 6530 FT AND THE REPORTED TEMPERATURE WAS 82 DEGREES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A 65 HORSEPOWER ENGINE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF WITH THE DOORS LATCHED OPEN, AND AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE AIRCRAFT FAILED TO EXCEED 42 MPH. HE REPORTED THAT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 150 FT WAS ATTAINED. DUE TO THE LACK OF PERFORMANCE AND FEARFUL OF OBSTRUCTIONS AHEAD, THE PILOT BEGAN A BROAD, FLAT 180 DEGREE RETURN TO THE FIELD. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND STRUCK THE GROUND. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS ABOUT 6530 FT AND THE REPORTED TEMPERATURE WAS 82 DEGREES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A 65 HORSEPOWER ENGINE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:52 MDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J-3 C65
Tail NumberN98872
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSteven J Stonehouse
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter0