Piper J3C-85 N1548N

Summary

On 26 June 1999 at about 16:31 local time, a Piper J3C-85 registered N1548N was involved in an accident near Dawson, Maryland, United States. 2 people were on board and one died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 June 1999 at 16:31

Classification

Accident

Location

Dawson, Maryland, United States

Nearest airport

High Rock Airport (NONE)

Coordinates

39.5293, -78.8798

Aircraft

Piper J3C-85

Registration

N1548N

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Dawson → New Castle

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC99FA161

1 person died.

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Three Piper J3 Cubs departed an airport in a valley with higher terrain nearby, and a density altitude of about 3,000 feet. Each airplane turned toward rising terrain, consisting of lower finger ridges and canyons, and a higher main ridge. The first airplane carrying only a pilot climbed faster than the terrain, and turned downwind. The second and third airplanes each carried a pilot and passenger and tried to follow similar paths. The pilot of the third airplane, which was operated about 100 pounds (9%) over gross weight, reported he watched the second airplane descend into trees. After overflying the second airplane, he encountered descending air which drove him into the trees. The pilot reported no problems with the airplane or engine. The pilots were briefed on alternate departure routes that would not require an immediate climb over rising terrain, but they were not used. FAA publications advised of the need to download weight when operating with higher density altitudes, and to approach ridgelines at a 45 degree angle to allow for escape in case of turbulence or descending air.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.