# NTSB Accident NYC99FA161
> **Piper J3C-85** · 1999-06-26 · DAWSON, MD, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** NYC99FA161
- **Event ID:** 20010110X00277
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1999-06-26
- **Location:** DAWSON, MD, USA
- **Coordinates:** 39.529312, -78.87976
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** J3C-85
- **Registration:** N1548N
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=NYC99FA161) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*