N70968

On October 10, 1998, about 1711 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N70968, was destroyed after impacting terrain while maneuvering near Waynesville, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and passenger were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Waynesville Airport (401), about 1650.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector's written report, the airplane was observed flying low and slow over a lake and 100 yards in front of an outing where 70 people had gathered. Eye witnesses observed the airplane pitch up, sharply roll to the right and enter a descending right hand turn. The airplane impacted the ground in a nose down attitude 100 yards to the northeast of the gathering. No ground injuries or property damage was reported. According to witnesses, the engine sounded as if it was operating normally prior to impact.

In a written statement the pilot reported the following:

"[This was a] recreational flight to take pictures of [a] friend's farm and picnic outing - though I do not recall [the] last part of flight prior to [the] accident, I apparently stalled in [the] climb and collided with [the] ground. I consider this a pilot error for which I am profoundly sorry."

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He reported a total of 166 flight hours with 6 in make and model.