N26991

Substantial
Minor

PIPER J-3 S/N: 4285

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, April 23, 1995
NTSB Number
CHI95LA133
Location
ELK CREEK, WI
Event ID
20001207X03266
Coordinates
44.359104, -91.410598
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Factors in the accident include the trees, the tailwind condition, and the pilot's lack of proper certification.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
4285
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1940
Model / ICAO
J-3 J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-75

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
TOWNSEND NELSON L
Address
5019 TIGER CREEK RD
City
LAKE WALES
State / Zip Code
FL 33898-6235
Country
United States

Analysis

On April 23, 1995, at 1125 central daylight time, a Piper J-3 Cub, N26991, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees while the pilot was performing a go around from a field in Elk Creek, Wisconsin. The non-certificated pilot reported no injuries, the passenger reported minor injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated without flight plan in visual meteorological conditions.

The pilot was attempting to land to the north on a private field. The winds were reported from 160 degrees. After determining that his airplane's airspeed was too excessive to land, the pilot stated he decided to perform a go around. The pilot stated the excessive airspeed was caused by his trying to land with a tailwind. While climbing, the airplane's right wing impacted trees which were located along the field's edge. The airplane impacted the ground in a near vertical attitude.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95LA133