N1548NPiper J3C-851999-06-26 NTSB Accident Report

Destroyed
Fatal

Piper J3C-85S/N: 23081

Summary

On June 26, 1999, a Piper J3C-85 (N1548N) was involved in an accident near Dawson, MD. The accident resulted in 1 fatal injury, 1 serious injury. The aircraft was destroyed.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors were the density altitude, downdraft, and the pilot's decision to operate at a weight in excess of the maximum allowable gross weight.

This accident is documented in NTSB report NYC99FA161. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1548N.

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, June 26, 1999
NTSB Number
NYC99FA161
Location
DAWSON, MD
Event ID
20010110X00277
Coordinates
39.529312, -78.879760
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
Highest Injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors were the density altitude, downdraft, and the pilot's decision to operate at a weight in excess of the maximum allowable gross weight.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
23081
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
J3C-85J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HORWITZ KENNETH D
Address
4871 AVIATOR LN NW
City
BREMERTON
State / Zip Code
WA 98312-9573
Country
United States

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC99FA161