Summary
On May 13, 1994, a Piper J3C-65 (N114WW) was involved in an accident near Belleair, FL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: IMPROPER MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE CRANKCASE BREATHER TUBE RESULTING IN FAILURE TO DETECT BLOCKAGE OF THE TUBE.
On May 13, 1994, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N114WW, registered to Thomas W. Merrifield, collided with trees during a precautionary landing on a golf course near Belleair, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 banner towing flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 13, 1994, about.
The pilot stated that about 15 minutes after takeoff the engine began to lose oil. He released the banner and initiated a descent to land on a golf course with the windshield covered by oil. After touchdown he observed a ditch ahead and added power to clear it.
This accident is documented in NTSB report MIA94LA138. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N114WW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
IMPROPER MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THE CRANKCASE BREATHER TUBE RESULTING IN FAILURE TO DETECT BLOCKAGE OF THE TUBE.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 13, 1994, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N114WW, registered to Thomas W. Merrifield, collided with trees during a precautionary landing on a golf course near Belleair, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 banner towing flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 13, 1994, about.
The pilot stated that about 15 minutes after takeoff the engine began to lose oil. He released the banner and initiated a descent to land on a golf course with the windshield covered by oil. After touchdown he observed a ditch ahead and added power to clear it. He was then unable to stop before colliding with trees.
Postcrash examination of the engine by FAA inspectors indicated the engine front crankshaft seal was partially dislodged causing the oil leakage. The engine case breather line was found partially blocked by oil sludge and debris. No other evidence of failure or malfunction was noted.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA94LA138