N105LM

On April 29, 1999, approximately 1125 central daylight time, an Oakes J-3 Cub experimental homebuilt airplane, N105LM, was substantially damaged during terrain impact while maneuvering near Greenbriar, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal cross-country flight. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot/builder. The student pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from Clinton, Arkansas, with a destination of Chael, a private airstrip near Wooster, Arkansas.

A witness reported observing the aircraft's nose drop as it made a right turn. Subsequently, the aircraft's right wing and nose impacted the ground. The witness further reported that the engine was running during the entire event.

The 71-hour student pilot reported to the FAA inspector that "the aircraft entered a slow right hand, uncontrolled turn, [and] continued [in] that mode of flight until impacting the earth." The aircraft came to rest inverted.

Examination of the aircraft wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed that the engine was separated from the fuselage. The outboard section of the right wing was separated. The left and right wings were partially separated from the fuselage. The main landing gear was separated from the fuselage.

According to the FAA inspector, high gusty wind conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.