N71060

On March 30, 2000, at 0845 central standard time, a Piper J-3C, N71060, operated by a commercial pilot collided with the terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering at a low altitude. The accident occurred in Eureka, South Dakota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from a private airstrip in Eureka, South Dakota, at 0730 cst.

The pilot reported that the passenger on board the airplane worked for the State of South Dakota, Game, Fish and Park Service. He reported the purpose of the flight was to shoot coyotes for wildlife management.

The pilot reported he began a descending left turn from an altitude of 125 feet above ground level (agl) so his passenger could take a shot at a coyote. He reported that at an altitude of about 40 feet agl he attempted to level the airplane, but was unable to pull back on the control stick. He reported that the stick was jammed with the airplane in a nose low, left bank attitude. The pilot reported that he applied rudder and pulled the power off prior to the airplane contacting the ground. He reported the airplane impacted the terrain and slid sideways. The airplane contacted a badger hole which resulted in the landing gear collapsing and the left wing contacting the terrain.

Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that a 12 gauge shot gun shell was jammed in the aft control stick preventing it from being moved.