N41427

Substantial
None

PIPER J3CS/N: 8043

Accident Details

Date
Monday, April 13, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA249
Location
Montrose, CO
Event ID
20090414X60529
Coordinates
38.490722, -107.869430
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
8043
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1941
Model / ICAO
J3CJ3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SCOTT ROBERT G
Address
224 FLORA LN
City
ALMA
State / Zip Code
GA 31510-3502
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, immediately after lift-off, the prevailing wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind and he was unable to maintain aircraft heading/runway centerline. The airplane was blown toward the runway edge and settled onto the dirt beside the runway. During the roll-out, the airplane struck a taxiway location/runway holding position sign midway between the passenger compartment and the empennage resulting in the empennage being bent approximately 70 degrees to the right. Weather reported at the time of the accident was; wind variable at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 18, dew point minus 4, altimeter setting 30.00 inches. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA249