# NTSB Accident NYC97FA159
> **Piper J3C-65** · 1997-08-04 · DANBURY, CT, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** NYC97FA159
- **Event ID:** 20001208X08715
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-08-04
- **Location:** DANBURY, CT, USA
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** J3C-65
- **Registration:** N24565
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to takeoff with the fuel selector in the full on position, which resulted in fuel starvation.  Also causal was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to attempt a 180 degree turn back to the runway, which resulted in the inadvertent stall/spin.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=NYC97FA159) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*